Words By: Julia Gross

Rural Tapes is rolling into 2021 with a clean slate and nothing but fresh new music to offer! This solo musical genius has dished out two new singles as a taste of his Self Titled debut album. Rural Tapes is truly stepping right into the spotlight and putting his music out there for the world to hear for the first time. Great news is, Arne Kjelsrud Mathisen is incredible at what he does and has a variety of sounds, vibes and feels to offer his listeners with this new album. Releasing his two single tracks, “Pardon My French,” and “Lost in Sound,” featuring R.E.M’s Scott McCaughey, the Grammy nominated Norwegian native started off 2021 strong! Now let’s dive in and talk about everything this rich album has to offer.

“Reddal” kicks off the album strong — a track that was simply made to be an intro as its production starts out small before building up with added instrumentals throughout. The longer you listen, the more intense it gets. Mid-way through the track there are some SyFy inspires sounds that are reminiscent of similar elements used in “Baba O’ Reilly,” by The Who. While “Reddal” sits at a distinguished 8 minutes and 19 seconds — it features a flawless transition into the rest of the record without any hesitation.

“The Observer” — which embodies a completely new sound and vibe — is like a switch between night and day. The single holds a smooth melody — perfectly designed for a relaxing moment.

Previously released single, “Pardon My French,” follows, featuring appearances from Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor and saxophonist Terry Edwards. This fun track, offers up some psychedelic moments, almost like something you would expect to hear in Alice in Wonderland while you spiral down the rabbit hole. Light in its overall presence, “Pardon My French” houses a ghostly feels in the backing vocals.

Switching things up deeper into the record, the self titled track, “Rural Tapes,” Mathisen is giving us elements of Electric Light Orchestra. In the opening there is the sound of light rain falling with the consistent bellowing of a horn — but the longer it plays, the more it begins to sound like sirens. The track is like something you would hear at the end of the film when all the fighting is over and the hero has done his deed — walking out of clouds of smoke, filled with victory.

“Lost in Sound,” is one of the most accurately titled tracks featured on the album. As the name reveals, you’ll soon feel as if you’re lost in all of the echoey noises. The tune is very comparable to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” offering many of the same echoey and lingering sounds in the background making listeners feel like they are floating through outer space.

Rural Tapes does a phenomenal job of ending the album in a beautiful way with, “By Dusk.” Opening with the soothing sounds of birds chirping, it transports you to the middle of the woods, sitting in a patch of fresh green moss with sun streaming through the trees. The electric guitar transforms the melody, while an orchestra lights up the middle with moments of cheerful violin and guitar. Overall, the song gives off sheer happy and dream world vibes.

Rural Tapes has truly outdone himself with this album. He is unlike many modern artists of today, offering a wide variety of sounds, feels and genres. Rural Tapes stands out as his own unique self artist creating one of a kind tracks. His album goes to show that vocals aren’t always needed in order to make the listener feel something or relate. Even instruments alone can convey powerful messages and take their listeners to different places. Rural Tapes has just gotten his start but has proven that he holds endless creativity and inspiration for the year to come!

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