With an eye-catching name as Kantor Tzar Kollectif, you could be forgiven for thinking it will possibly be soviet propaganda you’ll be hearing. I was hoping that ‘Absent’ would be as memorable as the band title. It didn’t disappoint.
The EP itself can be broken down into two categories; the unrelenting indie disco of opener ‘Between the Tare’, and the rainy-day electronica of the third track ‘Plug In’ onwards. This can seem convoluted on something as short as an EP, with bands trying to showcase all their talents and influences on one disc. ‘Absent’ never strays into this territory, and balances the EP perfectly in the process. The influences of Primal Scream can be heard in the first two tracks, with standout track ‘Crooked Smile’ sounding like it came straight off Screamadelica. Its combination of smooth guitar riff and the light bongo work make it a perfect song for a lazy day in the sun.
The EP then ventures into Portishead/Zero 7 territory, with the remaining three tracks dedicated to slower, atmospheric sounds. ‘Plug In’ flows from a serene, warped piano beat to an ominous chorus flawlessly. The vocals are imposing throughout, sounding like the lovechild of Bobby Gillespie and Billy Corgan, and the guitar play throughout adds an element which can leave electronic music lacking sometimes. Final track ‘Presidio Part 1’ is a bit of a let-down compared to the rest however, finishing off the EP with a monotonous instrumental which sounds more like music whilst you’re on hold than an actual song.
Apart from that minor blip, ‘Absent’ is an EP that will leave you impressed, and hoping that there is more of the same to come from the Dublin-based duo.