- Serious screwface techno and experimental sounds from the Italian duo.
- For most artists who make hard-edged techno, landing a record on Bas Mooy's Mord label is a major achievement. fabric residents Tapefeed probably feel the same way—they've cited the label as "an inspiration" throughout their career. Not that they're limited to the heavy stuff, with a style that touches on breakbeat and cinematic soundscapes. Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster shows off the duo's variety, though caustic techno is still the central theme here, delivered with slithering melodies and booming sound design.
The opener "Lidocaine" is far removed from the numbing effect of the anesthetizing drug. Instead, a blast of skull-rattling kick drums and quick-fire bleeps make it frantic and jarring. "Stone Faced Hysteria" is another barreling tune, but this time, crisp snares and zappy synths—imagine a taser going off—dominate the soundscape, while a muffled vocal floats above the gentle thud of drums. The pair lean into their more experimental side on "Voodoo Injection" as a gong resounds alongside hypnotic but haunting vocal snippets. It feels like techno made during an exorcism.
On "Drone Button Pusher," there's a chaotic few seconds of clattering percussion before the track goes full-bore with a gnarly melody with screeching synths. It's super-charged industrial techno, whereas "Limitless" is more of a slow-burner. Chugging drum rolls create lethargic, downtrodden energy, like dragging your feet home after a rave, or facing an especially dire comedown—but it also provides a moment to breathe. Tapefeed delivers serious screwface action on Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster, the kind of record that will jolt an unsuspecting dance floor to attention, but the duo don't skimp on detail either.
Tracklist01. Lidocaine
02. Stoned Face Hysteria
03. Voodoo Injection
04. Drone Button Pusher
05. Limitless