Max Tundra – Parallax Error Beheads You
Max Tundra’s Parallax Error Beheads You has been one tedious album to review. Max Tundra is the stage name for Ben Jacobs who specializes in electronica. Being late to the party, this album was released in October of last year, where Jacobs spent the last 6 years working on the album after his critically praised Mastered Guy at Exchange.
When I first started blogging and would pick up albums based on critical impression – it would lead me find albums that would cause pounding headaches (Battles – Atlas, Animal Collective – Strawberry Jam). Why? Well my normal musical palate never contained extremely complex musicianship but I figure I’ve gotten better over the past year and a half.
Not with this album. I’ve struggled between Max Tundra’s layered elements mixed in with some pop dance elements that my brain just doesn’t get. The music is not bad, I may not be a fan of certain combinations but at times I can’t listen to Parallax Error Beheads You for more then 15 minutes without thinking about shooting my brains out.
Basically, I’m saying – I can’t be objective. I’m trying my best though. There are some elements are excellent, I’m a big fan of the song “The Entertainment” where the build up to the synth section feels like a huge payoff, however sometimes it doesn’t work with songs like Will Get Fooled Again, which sounds more like an internet cheese song – name dropping top internet websites, is more annoying then not. I’m also a big fan of the final track, Until We Die.
It’s clear – Max Tundra is a very unique electronica artist. The music is complex with multiple layers and it challenges you. I’m not sure his falsetto type vocals work with rest of the music but it’s very interesting nonetheless.
3.75 out of 5
Maybe I like this a lot down the road? Just take this review with a grain of salt – I’m not even sure what I’m hearing. Trying to listen to this record and typing a review is even worse as my head is spinning. Anyone have the same issue?
The Entertainment by Max Tundra
Tags: album
