Early on in the Aughties, Eternal Tapestry guitarist Nicholas Binderman decided to take periodic breaks from his psych-rock wizardry and venture into the darkness (or darkwave, take your pick). Influenced by the shadowy sounds of early electronica — Throbbing Gristle, Suicide, good ol’ Gary Numan — Tunnels offers up a chillier palette than that of Binderman’s guitar-driven work, laced with just enough pop appeal to get the hips shaking. Tunnels’ most recent effort was 2011’s The Blackout, which sold out quickly upon release; two years later, the fine folks at Thrill Jockey are planning to reissue the album once more, on July 23 (and on white vinyl *insert oohs and aahs here*).
In anticipation of this victory lap, Thrill Jockey has given us a little audio-visual amuse-bouche to share with you, affectionately titled “How I Hate You.” Glitchy visuals and grainy VHS samples combine to raise some tantalizing questions: Are the two combatants at the 1:26 mark wrestling, making out, or both? What hidden scenes are lurking behind the pulsating 8-bit firestorm? Are there any subliminal messages lurking? Binderman directed the clip, so only he knows the answers. In the meantime, enjoy the video!
Pre-orders of The Blackout are available at Thrill Jockey’s website. The reissue ships July 23.
• Tunnels: http://www.thrilljockey.com/thrill/Tunnels/The-Blackout
• Thrill Jockey: http://www.thrilljockey.com/splash.html
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