Album Review: Sunday Tapes by Message
Released in 2012, Sunday Tapes by Greek electronic artist Message is a hidden gem that deserves more ears. Under the Sonic Playground label, this album dives deep into the electro genre with a raw, unfiltered vibe. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel but instead offers something refreshingly human within its synthetic layers. Tracks like “Stop” and “Under_The_Gun” stick out for different reasons, making this album worth revisiting even a decade later.
“Stop” kicks things off with an infectious beat that feels both mechanical and oddly alive. The track builds tension without overdoing it—there’s no grand drop or flashy payoff, just a steady pulse that worms its way into your brain. You don’t realize how much you’ve been nodding along until it fades out. It’s one of those tunes where the simplicity hits harder than any overproduced anthem ever could.
Then there’s “Under_The_Gun,” which flips the mood entirely. This one leans darker, almost cinematic, as if it belongs in some gritty sci-fi thriller. The bassline growls while glitchy textures swirl around, creating a sense of unease that somehow still feels inviting. If I had to pick one track from Sunday Tapes to play at 3 AM on repeat, this would be it. There’s something hypnotic about the way it teeters between chaos and control.
Other tracks like “Sousta” and “Allotropes” keep the energy flowing, though they don’t leave quite the same impression. That’s not a knock against them—it’s just that when you’ve got bangers like “Stop” and “Under_The_Gun,” everything else kinda plays second fiddle. Still, the whole album holds together nicely, never straying too far from its core sound.
What makes Sunday Tapes stand out isn’t perfection—it’s personality. Message doesn’t try to polish every edge or cram in unnecessary flourishes. Instead, the album feels like a snapshot of someone experimenting, having fun, maybe even messing up a little. And honestly? That’s what makes it memorable.
Funny thing is, listening to this record now feels almost nostalgic, even though it came out before streaming took over the world completely. Maybe that says something about how music used to feel more personal back then—or maybe I’m just getting old. Either way, give Sunday Tapes a spin if you’re into electro vibes that aren’t afraid to get a little weird.
