Read the latest review of Corrugated Tunnel’s ‘I am Corrugated’ album which was recently featured in State Magazine.
Most artists falling under the painfully trendy and ever morphing title of ‘electro’ in 2008 are expected to present a dance-floor friendly combination of indie rock and quirky vocals, with a dash of synthesizers thrown in for good measure. Corrugated Tunnel, also known as the Cork-based Edwin James, however, has not given in to the mould set by his electro-counterparts with his second album, I Am Corrugated.
The title and opening track bases itself around a sombre bass line, whereas ‘High Tides’ provides a more uplifting, if abruptly concluding listen. Both feature the slow string arrangements which permeate the entire album, and, combined with a certain amount of repetition, result in a soothing yet sometimes intriguing sound. ‘Slope Type A/B’ doesn’t achieve much in its five slow minutes, however, and ‘Last One Standing’ sees the pace picked up, yet still nothing overtly interesting happens.
‘The Drifter’ is the only track on the album to feature vocals; the low tones of Deborah Kay ensuring that James’ downbeat blend of beeps, beats and strings is complemented rather than interrupted: a little interruption, however, might not have gone astray.
It may not be of any use to an indie disco DJ, but the stylistic efforts of James have to be credited. That said, while I Am Corrugated might leave the listener in a tranquil mood, it won’t leave them with a great inclination to come back for more. One to be appreciated by those in the know, and left at that.
– Kate Rothwell
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