Exploring elements of minimalism, ambient sound, improvisation styles of free jazz, and pop melodies the Swedish trio Tape combine electronic, acoustic instruments, and field recordings to form a unique sound scape .

(Tape: Andreas Berthling, Johan Berthling, and Tomas Hallonsten)

Their new album ‘Luminarium‘ is a scheduled to be released May 7th on Hapna. Until then you can listen to a couple of songs here.

In addition to their new album Hapna have also reissued Opera Plus & Milieu Plus.  Opera Plus is a reissue of Opera (Häpna H.9), with three new tracks taken from the original 2002 sessions.  Milieu Plus is a reissue of Milieu (Häpna H.14), with four new tracks.

Tape - “Augustan Chateau”
from Milieu Plus
Listen to “Augustan Chateau”

Tape - “Leafed Hands”
from Opera Plus
Listen to “Leafed Hands”

I didn’t know much about the Fuck Buttons prior to seeing them open up for Caribou and the little I did know was mostly centered around the sudden rush of acclaim (read: hype). Any concerns were quickly put aside with a quick glance on the stage however. Equipment check: laptop, 80s era Casio keyboards, suitcase w/ more electrical things and wires spilling out, effect pedals, and Fischer Price recorder w/ Mic laid scattered haphazardly across a single table.

Photo courtesy of http://www.fuckbuttons.co.uk

What sets Fuck Buttons apart from other electronic acts is that their sound revolves less around the noises typically one associates with the electronic circuitry of a keyboard and laptop; instead they prefer pulsating washes of electronic feedback and tribal rhythms that escalate to a blissful peak. I can’t help but wonder who held a greater influence: Slint/Mono/GSYBE or Kraftwerk/Fennesz/BOC? However you want to classify it they bridge a perfect gap between the past and the future that fits perfectly in the present.

[Video] Bright Tomorrow by Fuck Buttons:

They are currently on tour in North America with Caribou check the sites below for dates:

ATP Recordings:
http://www.atpfestival.com/atp-recordings/fuck-buttons/

Band Page:
http://www.fuckbuttons.co.uk/