Review: Oslo Tapes ‘Låst Comet’

Leaving aside the musical journeys undertaken by the charismatic Chieti native Marco Campitelli, aka Oslo Tapes, one cannot help but embrace each new adventure and musical form that has shaped his career as a musician for more than a decade.

This continuous evolution is enriched by his collaborative spirit, as he is consistently surrounded by musicians who not only understand but also profoundly echo with his unique musical direction.

Such synergy has been instrumental in allowing him to shape each of his works with remarkable respect for its organic development, enabling his sound to gracefully flow and explore into varied sonic landscapes. Through these expansive explorations, his distinct musical genre consistently brings forth its underlying essence, ensuring that even amidst stylistic shifts, the core identity of Oslo Tapes remains vibrantly present and deeply felt.

Through every sonic journey, from the project’s inception to the vibrant depths of the new fifth album, Låst Comet, producer and musician Amaury Cambuzat (Faust, Ulan Bator) has remained a constant presence, subtly yet profoundly shaping its unique sound. His unwavering artistic partnership, a guiding light through each evolving phase, has allowed the Oslo Tapes sound to flourish.

While its predecessor, Staring At The Sun Before Going Blind, captivated us with its ethereal, experimental, and distinctly space-age textures, Låst Comet (which in Norwegian means ‘Locked Comet’, but also phonetically resembles ‘Lost Comet’ in English) embarks on a different trajectory, embracing a sound that is more passionate, dizzying, and feverish.

This latest offering elevates the experience to moments of pure euphoria, evoking the transcendental and the esoteric, a true abandon that masterfully weaves together jazzy feels with a soft, yet compelling, musical avant-garde. This rich work is further enhanced by collaborations with artists such as Emil Nikolaisen (Serena Maneesh) and Håkon Gebhardt (Motorpsycho) alongside Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Emilie Lium Vordal, whose haunting voices intricately intertwine with Campitelli‘s own dreamy, delicate tones, adding layers of profound depth. The album captures your inner sense from the very first notes, wrapping them in a sonic web that feels both intimate and expansive.

As Inhuman Witch begins, its delicate melodies set a tone that is at once calm and haunting. The sounds seem to float through the air, creating a sense of mystery. This opening track serves as an invitation, drawing you into a world where every note resonates. The careful layering of instruments craft a rich texture that feels almost like a visual landscape, creating a serene space of imagination.

Moving into the next track, Analemma envelops you in an oddly hypnotic atmosphere, pulling the senses deeper with every pulse and rhythm. Each instrument contributes to a unified sound that feels as if it’s breathing, filling the mind with sensations that seem to resonate endlessly. As the track progresses, the vibrations almost feel as though they echo from within. It’s a captivating experience where time seems to stand still, immersing you wholly in the music as if it were an integral part of your soul.

Each instrument contributes to a unified sound that feels as if it’s breathing, filling the mind with sensations that seem to resonate endlessly…

Then, the journey escalates with Tribal Telepathy, a track that opens with expansive sound that feels monumental. The bass and drum lines create a steady underpinning that allows a Spanish-influenced guitar to dance above, infusing the music with warmth and intrigue. Meanwhile, cosmic keyboards weave in and out, enhancing the space all around. The gentle voice adds a sense of longing, breaking through the cosmic haze.

As the song transitions into Transpace, you feel as if you are taking a stroll through space itself, the sounds wrapping around you like a soft embrace. This stunning combination ignites your imagination, transporting you to places yet to be explored. As the cosmic voyage continues, Quasistar gently cradles you as it drifts through a sleepy, starry universe.

Here, the weight of the world fades into the background, allowing your mind to wander freely. Soft notes blend seamlessly with the radiant glow of distant suns. The sounds dance around you, echoing softly like whispers from the universe itself. Each melody seems to hold a mirror to your soul, encouraging you to look inward and embrace the feelings that emerge. In this tranquil landscape, anxiety dims, and your spirit feels light, as the music acts as a guiding star.

Then, like a gentle breeze, you are channelled into the Astral Path, where the magic of the cosmos truly unfolds. Here, ethereal sounds swirl around you. The music flows like a river of stars, sparking imagination and creativity within your heart. The whispers of the universe continue to guide you, grounding you with each heartbeat that resonates in time with the enchanting sounds. It feels as if the universe is conspiring to share its secrets. As you move forward, the energy of the cosmos propels you gently along your path, promising adventure yet to come.

Finally, the culmination arrives with Lazarus Awaking, where emotions reach their peak in a heartbreaking yet beautiful experience. The tender, child voice cuts through the ether, evoking memories and feelings long buried deep within your heart. Each note brings forth a wave of nostalgia, pulling at the strings of your emotions with an honesty so raw that it feels both haunting and liberating. As the melody carries you, tears may form – one final release of all that you’ve held onto, a bittersweet moment of letting go.

In this mingling of madness and celestial beauty, you come to find solace in what you have left behind. The profound emotional release is both a farewell and a new beginning, echoing in your heart long after the last notes fade, reminding you of the journey through the stars that has now reshaped your very essence. This new work consistently brings forth the profound essence of Campitelli’s creative spirit and the power of an enduring artistic partnership and shared vision.

Label: Grazil Records | Worst Bassist Records | Golden Robot Records
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo