Doldrums -- Desk Trickery -- Kranky Records, 1999

Track Listing

1. Office Scene
2. Sparkling Deadheadz
3. Fritland
4. Grill Out Times
5. Free Festival of the Stone Bridge
6. Who Shot J.R.?
7. Godspeed You Young Actress!

"Desk Trickery" is the latest 1999 release from Kranky act Doldrums. Drone oriented with jumpy, neurotic beats underneath define this release that marks Doldrums as a strong case for the dominance of Kranky records (alongside Labradford) in modern drone-focused music. The title alludes to the style in which these tracks were created. Mixed and processed through computers and various effects, the vast majority of sounds on this release are indeed guitars.
When not focused on an already beautiful ambience, this release provides a smooth, sweet prog rock talent that nicely accentuates the space-like atmosphere. In styles akin to Pink Floyd, the soundscapes sooth and sway a quiet mind with hints of a laid back Virginia highland (which, incidentally, Doldrums hails from...and may explain the similarities in style to labelmates Labradford). The sweet tone of "Desk Trickery" hopefully will not go unnoticed, as this is definitely recommended.