Crew Tapes by Calgames: A Wild Ride Through Experimental Electronica
Alright, let’s talk about Crew Tapes by Calgames. This 2019 release from Australia is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not perfect—heck, it doesn’t even try to be—but there’s something raw and alive in its experimental electronic vibes. The whole thing feels like a DIY project where rules don’t exist, and honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
First off, shoutout to Calgames for handling everything themselves—the synth work, the artwork, all of it. You can tell this wasn’t made with some big studio budget or a team of producers breathing down their neck. Nope, it’s just one person messing around until they hit gold. And sometimes, when no one's watching, magic happens.
Now, onto the tracks. I gotta mention "Placer Gigas." Man, this track hits different. It starts with these glitchy, stuttering beats that feel kinda broken, but in the best way possible. Like your headphones are having a meltdown, but instead of freaking out, you’re vibing hard. Then the synths kick in—dreamy yet sharp, like sunlight filtering through cracked glass. There’s no clear structure here, which might annoy some folks, but I think that’s the point. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and oddly freeing. Feels like listening to someone’s brainwaves while they daydream about space travel or something equally weird.
Then there’s "Gravity Seeder," which is another standout. This one’s slower, darker, almost meditative. The bassline rumbles underneath like distant thunder, while these eerie pads float above, giving me serious late-night existential crisis energy. But in a good way! It’s haunting without being overwhelming, and every time I listen, I find myself zoning out, staring at the ceiling, thinking about life and how small we are compared to the universe. (Yeah, it gets deep.)
Honestly, Crew Tapes isn’t gonna appeal to everyone. If you’re looking for polished pop hooks or dancefloor bangers, this ain’t it. But if you’re into music that takes risks—even if it stumbles along the way—you’ll probably dig this. It’s imperfect, unfiltered, and full of personality. Kinda like meeting someone who’s super awkward but also really cool once you get to know them.
Here’s the kicker though: after listening to this album, I realized how rare it is to hear something so unapologetically itself. Most music these days feels calculated, designed to grab attention or fit neatly into playlists. But Crew Tapes? Nah, it’s just Calgames doing their thing, making art because they have to, not because they want likes or streams. And maybe that’s why it sticks with me. Or maybe it’s just the name “Gravity Seeder” that sounds like sci-fi porn. Either way, worth a spin.
