- LP
- Recommended
- Back In
Delay Tactics
Imperfect Strangers
Emotional Rescue
- Cat No: ERC 098
- updated:2022-05-26
Selected and compiled from the two albums left behind by DELAY TACTICS, the tape-loop guitar group active in 1980s St. Louis! Combining the influence of kosmische Musik with an American experimental spirit, they range from proto techno-pop to electronic drone. Released via 〈EMOTIONAL RESCUE〉, a label known for its top-quality reissue work.
Track List
Carl Weingarten and Multiphase Records return to Emotional Rescue with a collection of the music of Delay Tactics and their live, reel-to-reel and collaborative experimentation, that spawned two remarkable albums.
After meeting guitarist Reed Nesbit from the St. Louis new wave scene , Weingarten joined forces for a series of concerts, performing with guitars running through tape looping delay systems similar to Robert Fripp’s ‘Frippertronics’ ideals.
Producer and engineer Walter Whitney joined to record the debut album, Out-Pop Options (1982), when it became clear his skills were a perfect addition. Recording to 4-track analog tape, the sound developed from drone based to proto-techno pop. Digital technology, drum machines, guitar pedals and digital effects offered creative freedom that resulted in rhythmic, kraut inspired pieces.
These Kosmiche leanings retain a unique US aesthetic and continued after Nesbit’s departure. When guitarist David Udell joined for Any Questions? (1984), greater explorations – now recorded to 8 track – pushed the envelope to a wider sound.
In an age of endless holy grails, the work of Delay Tactics has a resonance, spanning Eno to Ashra but with a place and sense beyond Europe and towards to new age and fourth world leanings of Laraaji, Hassel and Stearns.
After meeting guitarist Reed Nesbit from the St. Louis new wave scene , Weingarten joined forces for a series of concerts, performing with guitars running through tape looping delay systems similar to Robert Fripp’s ‘Frippertronics’ ideals.
Producer and engineer Walter Whitney joined to record the debut album, Out-Pop Options (1982), when it became clear his skills were a perfect addition. Recording to 4-track analog tape, the sound developed from drone based to proto-techno pop. Digital technology, drum machines, guitar pedals and digital effects offered creative freedom that resulted in rhythmic, kraut inspired pieces.
These Kosmiche leanings retain a unique US aesthetic and continued after Nesbit’s departure. When guitarist David Udell joined for Any Questions? (1984), greater explorations – now recorded to 8 track – pushed the envelope to a wider sound.
In an age of endless holy grails, the work of Delay Tactics has a resonance, spanning Eno to Ashra but with a place and sense beyond Europe and towards to new age and fourth world leanings of Laraaji, Hassel and Stearns.
A compilation from DELAY TACTICS, formed in 1981 as a tape-loop guitar duo by CARL WEINGARTEN and REED NESBIT — both figures who have played important roles in progressive underground music for nearly 30 years — and who released two albums through various lineup changes! It covers everything from their early synth-pop-leaning material, which meshed rhythmic looping techniques with comical melodies, to their later period when they added vocals and reached out toward post-punk. On "Journey To Omdurman" (sample2) distortion and delay are used for reverberation, while "Under The Ice" (sample3) evokes Balearic vibes with brisk single-note playing — the wide-ranging use of guitar really hits the spot. (Original Japanese text by Akie)