Jay Tholen’s increasingly eclectic body of work touches upon the chip music world in the same way a master chef touches upon a spice in a four course meal. The five tracks here in ‘Vainglory’, his first EP for Pause, dance effortlessly from melody to noise, from ecstatic joy to existential dread, in tessellations so subtle, so intricate, that at the end of its slight 20 minutes you will marvel at the distance you’ve sonically covered.
Why no blockquote? Copy written by yours truly. Yay!
This is more of a loose, crusty, and fun release than the past few in the Jay Tholen catalog. At least since The Usurper Must Die!!! Took some risks, used some oblique strategies, and had a generally good time while recording. Enjoy.
Another new release from one of my favorite lowercase chip chip musicians. Check it out!
Blood Fete is a celebration of surrender by way of self-denial and self-sacrifice. “It’s the Bloodiest party!”
Those who enjoy chip music, avant-pop, or early progressive rock should find something to enjoy here. There’s a little dubby section somewhere too!
Note: This summer our youth group is heading up to New Orleans for an annual event called ‘Feed the Multitudes’ where thousands of groceries and shoes are handed out to those in need. It’s a little more expensive than usual this year due to a few changes.
All profit made on this record will be used for transportation, food, and shelter on the trip. It will also make up the difference for the kids who can’t afford to come.
(If there’s anything left over I’m using it to fix this huge crack in my windshield. Surprised I haven’t been pulled over yet…)
1. Party Invitation (02:11)
2. Seaport Crow Station (04:43)
3. All of All Our Fountains (04:01)
4. In Pursuit (01:21)
5. Blood Fete (05:21)
6. Here Am I (01:51)
Jay Tholen – Tracking and Sequencing, Voice, Synthesis, Samples, Acoustic and Electric Ukulele, Transistor Organ, Bass, Percussion
Matt Mears – Guitar, Bass, Percussion
Jay Tholen Sr. – Bass
Christine Tholen – Voice