Pele

Enemies (Polyvinyl)
by Tim Den

Hmmm… strange. Seems that Pele have given up most of their free-form jazz/math indie jams for a “rockier” sound. Still as upbeat and youthful-sounding as ever, but no longer willing to patiently stack layers of secrets on top of each other. The addition of electronics wizard Jon Minor makes Enemies much more focused on tape warps and backward samples. I would’ve liked to see these new features combined with the instrumental prowess of yore. No worries, though, there’re still moments on Enemies to satiate your need for fluid, transcendental soundtrack indie jazz.
(PO Box 7140 Champaign, IL 61826)