Telefon Tel Aviv

Telefon Tel Aviv are a prime example of a group who have built up a numerically modest but stunning catalog; one that is all too often overlooked in the wake of their more prolific and less perfectionistic peers. Although this is music that could only exist in the age of bedroom production, Cooper and Eustis' compositions and arrangements transcend the tech-obsessed paradigms of the 'IDM' scene. The dizzying flurry of edits are offset by a pure, unfettered sense of melody and emotional catharsis. Their previous album, 'Immolate Yourself', took a step back from digital micromanagement in favor of looser, analog-tinged arrangements. In so doing they created the best album of their career thus far and one of the best albums of the last 10 years in this listener's opinion. It is achingly tragic that Charles Cooper died not only because he was an incredible producer, but a wonderfully deep and multifaceted individual as well. It would have been very gratifying to see how the aesthetic sense honed on 'Immolate...' could've been developed further between the duo; hopefully Joshua Eustis can continue alone on a trail blazed by the two of them.

Rest in peace Charles Cooper, TTA were one of the best electronic teams in recent history.