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By: Wilfred Brandt
Article published: 22nd Jun 09
Release: Album
To Cure: A predictable playlist
What:
Ape School
Who:
Ape School
On:
Counter Records, Ninja Tune, Inertia
Ape School sounds like a stupid name because it is.
But after repeated listens I've realised it's oddly fitting; there's a brute, simple weirdness to these songs by Philadelphia-based, multi-instrumentalist Michael Johnson, and a definite scholar's approach to new sounds.
Johnson was formerly a member of indie rock bands Holopaw and Lilys. Ape School traverses similar territory to the latter's outstanding album Everything Wrong Is Imaginary. Many of these same meandering, malleable songs; subtle moods and crafty, bold, spaced-out sounds are the result of a rare vintage Moog synthesizer. Highlights include the propulsive churn of 'My Intention' the eerie 'It's Over', and the quiet decay of 'Rip Together, Rip Apart'.
A producer through and through, on Ape School Johnson flings his tricks around like an ape flings poo. What kind of marks does he get for that? I'd give him a high distinction.