"Hometaping Are Killing Music" is an unusual pop record. And while
Hometaping are not the first to make an album about heartbreak, there's
something in the dark grooves of their music that make the whole
result truly unique. Hometaping's sound incorporates the most dramatic
elements of the '80s new wave scene and transforms them into
contemporary electropop songs. This is pop noir; tunes to dance to,
but touched with tragedy and a deep sense of mystery and elegance.
Naming themselves after the way they're actually making their music,
Hometaping are Nikos Aima and Aris Siafas. Their first release was the
"Homemade EP" which appeared in late 2001 on Popart Records. That
debut EP unleashed the expressive powers of the band and their ability
to create accessive music which does not make for painless listenings.
Their first full-length album "Hometaping Are Killing Music" sees them
dive further into the same mysterious sounds, made by ghost keyboard
riffs, nonchalent beats, lush atmospherics and a voice which is
reminiscent of a decadent crooner or a diva on the verge of hysteria.
And of everything in between.
Emotions vary a lot throughout the 13 songs of the record. The hypnotic
pace of opening track "Speak" sets the mood for Hometaping's journey
into a parallel universe full of distorted mirrors, deranged lovers,
wistful daydreams and romantic tragedies. And it all continues with
upbeat lovesongs, melancholic elegies and excerpts that sound either
futuristic or so '80s that they even fall under retro. And then there are
references to Marc Almond, Kraftwerk, Grace Jones, Gavin Friday and
Ladytron. Painted with a taste of drama and glittering sadness.
The title must be ironic then. And it's even more ironic that you cannot
always be sure when Hometaping write a happy song and when they write a sad
song. Because their songs are simply both. In case you're wondering
how this can be possible, bear in mind that this is an unusual pop
record. We told you so.
