With multiple personal changes, visa problems performing overseas, and complications in the recording studio, the indie-alt-electro-psych band know as Telecraze has been through more than its fair share of ups and downs.
Founded in Tehran, Iran in 2010, by singer/songwriter, composer, Hamid Sami, the band released their 4-track, Knockout Mice EP in 2014. Originally intended to be a 7-song project, the multi-talented Sami—who currently serves as the band’s only member—has refused to let the music die, and has plans to re-release a new, fuller version of the EP in 2018. For now, we have the pleasure of checking out the original version.
Here’s what we dug most…
Our Favorite Track:
Opening with the unique and spellbinding, Brand New Sky, I am instantly reminded of a song by trip-hop legends Morcheeba called, “What New York Couples Fight About”. With light percussion, ambient guitars, and sprinkled-in psych-synth, this opening track is jazzy, smokey, and sultry. Honestly, it took me by surprise.
The simple acoustic guitar and subtle vocal harmonies in Felt To Slip are compellingly minimalist. Strangely, I hear a Scorpions influence here, and it’s just lovely.
The brilliant, down-tempo piece of alt-rock, Come On let’s Run, ends this short and colorful experience with a few electric chords, a touch of that psych-synth, and Sami’s worried—yet hopeful—plea… “Come on, let’s run.” (Be sure to check out the vocal harmony at 4:55.)
In the end analysis—though I hear the rough, unfinished qualities (here and there) in Knockout Mice EP (2014) which are most likely inspiring Sami to want to remaster the collection—I find those rough qualities wildly endearing and absolutely authentic. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I wouldn’t change a thing. As a whole, these four songs TAKE THEIR TIME. To such an extent that the collection feels as though it were written in real time, finding itself by following the music—following the mood—following the feeling. Please, please, please…if you love indie music, listen to this EP.
(Listeners tip: Be sure to have headphones on when you listen!)
Whose lovechild…?
Low jams with Morcheeba…
BELOW, you can listen to Telecraze’s album, Knockout Mice EP (2014), and connect with their social media platforms. Please support Telecraze by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
Listen to Telecraze’s album, Knockout Mice EP (2014):
Follow, stream, download & connect with Telecraze online:
