We always mention how much we value distinctiveness in music, and especially so when sincerity is attached. Castanets, the decade-old project from Raymond Raposa, has been making experimental folk for years now, and perhaps it's their musical experience that's given them the ability to produce one of the most unique, yet genuine tunes we've heard in a while. "Out For The West" sounds as if a weathered Western band was just given access to cutting edge musical technology, and the result of this strange affair is a nostalgic ballad unlike anything we've heard before. Smooth electric piano chords and veritable vocals open up the piece in engaging fashion, and only a constant kick keeps the initial rhythm. Raposa's storytelling is captivating, with a country-like tone that emanates humbleness and experience. After the first verse, a few notes from a saxophone call out, followed by an array of oscillating electronic elements and subtle synths that provides clear juxtaposition of authenticity and modern technology. From there, the song coasts to a peaceful conclusion with the very instruments that opened the song. "Out For The West" has left us hopelessly obsessed with Castanets' sound, and we hope to hear similar-sounding material from the band on their upcoming work, Decimation Blues. [via Stereogum]
Castanets