The first thing that we noticed about the press release that accompanied this CD was the fact that the case was "printed entirely on an 1897 C&P letterpress." How cool is that...? More Animals of the Arctic is a project created by Michael Tapscott. A purely artistic endeavor, An Appendix of Whaling Terms is a strangely calming album featuring ten obtuse progressive tracks. Peculiar, subtle, and dreamy, these compositions were not created out of a desire to make money. Instead, Tapscott is obviously tapping into his own personal ideas and feelings...and interpreting them though music for his listeners. The arrangements are sparse and distant, as are the vocals. These puzzling tracks are smooth yet perplexing...and ultimately satisfying. Creativity abounds on cuts like "Midnight in the Arctic Circle," "Of Vanderhoek," and "Peacock Dream." (Rating: 5+)
06.01.06