TIN RIBBONS - TIN RIBBONS

TIN RIBBONS

TIN RIBBONS
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By J Simpson

Tin Ribbon is the duo of Ian and Aliza Kahl, who create a futuristic mix of synth pop, electronic elements and romantic classicism on this short, self-titled debut EP Tin Ribbon.

Tin Ribbon describe their sound as a complex amalgamation of head and heart, and for once, it's not just PR hype. Ian Kahl comes from a classical background, as well as playing in a variety of other bands before Tin Ribbon, which makes for a nuanced musical lexicon, and the production capabilities to pull it off. Ian Kahl creates an ornate jewel box tapestry for Aliza Kahl to spin heartfelt, intimate vocals, in a variety of fidelities, making something that's both personal, but could rock a dance floor.

Let's face it, old world forms, such as classical and straight dance music are in a decadent state, rehashing tired formulas for maximum profit. This means, classical music is oftentimes tired John Williams knockoffs, offering plenty of bombast and artifice and very little shade or subtlety. With dance music, everything is tied and bound to Western, 4/4 subdivisions; a 64-th note and an extended coda is about as adventurous as you're going to get in terms of structure.

This codification limits the kind of stories you can tell. It even limits the ways you can dance. Tin Ribbon loosen the seams, giving some room to stretch out in their glitched out synthpop, without descending into avant-garde abrasiveness.

There is a particularly intimacy that comes from two people working together that is enhanced further still by the electronic instruments, meaning the Kahls can record wherever, whenever. Portions of Tin Ribbon were recorded on phones and iPads, on the streets of their home in Berkeley, Ca. These four songs take the raw material of Tin Ribbon's lives and spin it into glittering chrome mobiles of sterling synths and pulsing beats. The Kahls are also married, to boot, further emphasizing the intimacy.

Tin Ribbon mix the high and lo-fi, pop and classical, heartfelt and technological. The raw recordings give this a bit of a demo vibe, which I personally like, but also hint at great things to come. People who like The Postal Service and Au Revoire Simone will find a lot to love here. Very dreamy, yet still moving, with a good beat. Highly recommended! Great stuff! 

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