red axes: shem vol ii

Tel Aviv's Red Axes open the second installment in their Shem series, following Vol. 1, with the hypnotic "Shem"; its brilliant use of space and subtle melodic variations recalls timeless film scores in the spirit of Ennio Morricone's work. With its guitars, live percussion, and keyboards, "Oh Key" is a throwback to Red Axes' early sound. "Sweet John Gang" layers psychedelic melodies on an understated groove of heavily treated guitar and frequency-oscillating synths. The syncopated beat of the highly danceable "More More and More" lets treated drums, a fuzzy bassline, and synth stabs breathe through the mix.