These themes are usually comprised of an odd guitar arpeggio or a deliberately repetitious keyboard line that is at once moody and reflective. The tones he utilizes on the guitar are distinctive and immediately recognizable as his own. These pieces hold their own disassociated from the visuals in the film. If you are not familiar with any of Hartley s films, start by renting Surviving Desire and work your way to Henry Fool from there. This album sounds exactly like you would expect of a band that features ex-members of Stereolab and My Bloody Valentine not to mention Moonshake.
Tight syncopation underscores driving bass lines and carefully placed samples and loops.
The bored vocal drone glides slightly above the mix, which is airtight thanks to Tortoise's John McEntire. The samples act inextricably as another instrument to the overall sound with snippets by Sonic Youth, Nick Cave and The Sonics. Katharine Gifford is the songwriter, and her guitar playing is sparse yet highly effective, pairing staccato rhythms against repetitive beats. The production is very dry without sounding stilted. The hooks are not obvious, but the music stays with you.