[CD REVIEW] Nylas – [‘nailəs] (2009)

Nylas, a cutie Taiwanese electronic pop duo that consists of members Labi and Arny, unleashes their second release since 2004’s Where Are You My Dead Uncle K.  The album, which has an almost unpronounceable title name, sees the two taking on everything from electro cutie pop to ambient sounds-capes.  For long time listeners of the Taiwan Indie music scene, one listen to Labi’s vocals will probably remind you of the singer from indie pop / post rock band 草莓救星 (We Save Strawberries) — this is no mere coincidence, as the dynamic duo of Nylas are both former members.  If you have listened to We Save Strawberries’s 2002 seminal album 太陽系 (Solar System), then it should not be hard to recall the distinctive integration of post rock and cutie pop of that release.  Though this gave a unique sound to the band, it was hard not to admit that the transition between the two styles weren’t a bit farfetched.  Compared to this “Music at odds” feeling of their previous band, Nylas feels much more comfortable.  This time around the blip and bleeps of their electronic sound, works well with Labi’s sweet vocals, and allows space for stranger experimentation within the cute atmosphere of the band’s sonic palette.

The majority of the tracks on [‘nailəs] are decidedly Synth based and inorganic, relying on loops, varying beats and subtle electro-music effects to create its very own fantasyland.  Since organic sounding instrumentation such as guitars and acoustic drumming are found far and far between, it is Labi’s warm vocal that act like colorful paint strokes that color the black and white music landscape.

The album which features strange track titles such as “踩在雨滴上的貓咪” (“The cat that stands on teardrops”) or “廢物曬太陽” (“Trash in the Sunshine”), is full of music that lives up to their namesakes.  The opening sounds of birds chirping and woodland critters on “The cat that stands on teardrops”, slowly gives way to an eerie Synth loop that feels like the welcome ceremony for arriving visitors from Outer Space.  The next track “太陽馬戲班” (“Sun Carnival”) is no less bizarre, starting with a faint sample of spur of the moment cries from children, ensues in a mad sounding carnival jingle.  Not surprisingly, Labi’s child like vocals compliments this musical strangeness like Milk is to Cookies.  The album ends with “月光街角” (“Moonlit Street Corner”), a beautiful ambient instrumental that is built on loops and extensive effects.  The track almost acts as a farewell to the Outer Space visitors that were welcomed and greeted on the opening track.

Being strange and unpredictable, [‘nailəs] is a charming effort that serves as a good introduction to the fanciful world of this cute electronic duo.

Recommended tracks: 02, 03

Track Listing:
01. 踩在雨滴上的貓咪 (The cat that stands on teardrops)
02. 太陽馬戲班 (Sun Carnival)
03. 廢物曬太陽 (Trash in the Sunshine)
04. 史蒂芬妮的糖果屋 (Stephens Candy House)
05. 蝴蝶夫人 (Madame Butterfly)
06. Arnica
07. 幽魂臘臘 (Haunted Lap Lap)
08. 小尾巴 (Small Tail)
09. 四季 (Four Seasons)
10. Little harry
11. 月光街角 (Moonlit Street Corner)

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lojun

I like to spend my time on the internet searching for the meaning of life. When I am not doing this you can find me listening to music or playing the bass…or stuffing myself silly on Burritos.

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