We’re back home from Radar Live after a successful appearance (at least we think so :)) and getting straight down to business I wanted to inform you about Tied & Tickled Trio’s second effort on Morr Music called Aelita. Tied & Tickled Trio is a misnomer, because they’re not a trio and their music doesn’t give you the laughs being tied & tickled gives. Instead there is a dark and grave setting reminiscent of old B&W KGB movies and persistent melancholy. As demonstrated by the restless drive on “You Said Tomorrow Yesterday” the tension adds up but it doesn’t resolve into tranquillity at any point in the album. The prevailing reverby darkness is not evil like dark ambient or black metal but it surely is pestilent.

Three “Aelita”’s which give the album it’s title are short interlude’s with once again melancholic melodies created with vibraphones and bells and they’re homage to the first Russian sci-fi movie of the same name from 1924. No wonder the cinematic influence!. The remaining 5 compositions have concealed their influences masterfully, incorporating leftfield post jazz composition with chamber music, soundscapes and dub into unique creations dominated by grave bells throughout. Essential for mature listeners and a high point for Morr Music, displaying variety in their general musical vision !

Image cred: Tied & Tickled Trio live from Immergut Festival by Ilovethatsound.

Tied & Tickled Trio – Tamaghis
Tied & Tickled Trio – You said tomorrow yesterday
Tied & Tickled Trio – Loopspool Mix