Tulipomania

US first press Limited edition of 100 2016. Record plays EX. Sleeve has tape along the rim of the top. Art-rock is a genre often destined for obscurity. And certainly this Philadelphia duo are as well-known in the UK for their stop-motion animations as their music. Which is to say, not much at all. However, what may set them aside is the cover art, designed by Vaughan Oliver, almost a legend in underground circles having created sleeves for 4AD acts such as Pixies and Cocteau Twins. But what of the music? Carefully crafted for sure, and owing a debt to the to (yes!) art-rocker pioneers Pere Ubu, mainly due to Tom Murray’s hushed vocal. The influence of another revered 80s band, Magazine, looms heavily, while there’s a sleazy and slightly threatening air to tracks such as ‘Hold On’, which brings to mind Nick Cave. A very decent release which could put Tulipomania in the public eye.