It would be simplistic to label Dntel electronica. Sure, there are elements here on the newest album, The Seas Tree See, that fit that mold, but much more that's like a mash-up of indie and ambient stuff. Jimmy Tamborello, the main man behind this, brings the sort of warmth we'd expect from one of the members of The Postal Service.
Opening with the harsh "The Lilac and the Apple (Remix)", things move forward to cover material that's lovely and lush. "The Man on the Mountain" is a breezy delight, while "After All" is stark and minimalist. Sometimes, the simplicity of this allows Tamborello to hit at something that's delightfully warm and romantic, like on the sweet "Back Home", or "Fall in Love", another highlight here. But through all of this, there's a neat blending of experimentation mixing consistently with a restless, furtive desire to soothe a listener. It's what gives so much of The Seas Tree See an easy charm.
The Seas Tree See is out tomorrow via the link below and elsewhere.
[Photo: Morr Music]