Review: Alias & Tarsier

alias
Alias & Tarsier
Brookland / Oaklyn
(Anticon)

Post-Postal Service albums made via email are becoming increasingly common. This album is one such collaboration between Brendon “Alias” Whitney of Oakland indie hip hop crew Anticon and Rona “Tarsier” Rapadas of Brooklyn folktronica duo Healamonster & Tarsier. Alias provides the production, and his beats, guitars, and ambient synths have a strong IDM influence. Rona’s voice is gorgeous and reminiscent of Bjork, but is often buried under tons of reverb, like if the Cocteau Twins made hip hop. Occasionally, Alias jumps in and raps, and while the juxtaposition of rough and smooth can be jarring, the production of this album is deep and the songs are pleasant.