Reynols “Blank Tapes”

At the weekend I bought a CD: “Blank Tapes” by Reynols. As the title suggests, it’s entirely made from recordings of blank analog audio tapes, dating from 1978 to 1999. The source sound has been processed in various analog and digital ways; because of course, an analog tape is never really silent on playback, even if it’s blank.

The result is an ambient soundscape of hissing, screeching, muffled rhythmic throbbing, ocean-like washes, and occasional bursts of distant echoing thunder. It’s hard to put into words, obviously.

If I have to explain what’s cool about this CD, it probably isn’t for you.

For information: Reynols are an Argentinian group, and the CD is released by a German label called Trente Oiseaux—which, of course, is French. Just so that’s clear.