Album Details

• Artist: Rafter
• Album: Sex, Death, Cassette
• Label: Asthmatic Kitty
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: digitalbath on 2008-03-05

I've been trying to think of a few words to accurately describe Rafter's latest release Sex, Death, Cassette but the most accurate descriptor I've been able to come up is simply "strange."  Don't get me wrong, I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience through this album, I just think that Rafter Roberts may have been high on a bit more than life while creating this album.  At first the Sex, Drugs, Cassette sounds like a pop album until some bongos get added or a marimba, or simply Roberts singing gibberish while people clap along with no sense of rhythm.  There seems to be something within each song that is a bit off rhythm which usually would bother me but it seems to only add to the experience.  After the first song, you know you're in for something different.

Each song is very short.  The longest track stands at 3:16 while most others hone in on a bit under or over one minute.  This seems to be all Roberts needs in order to achieve his sound though.  Whether it be a horns section with a rather cryptic undertone by an acoustic guitar; an acoustic song with delay so heavy that it seems like two identical people are playing at the same time, one a full second behind the other; or simply Roberts saying something to the tune of "woody daddy woody daddy woody daddy" over and over; it all seems to take a very short time and still be enjoyable no matter how eclectic and off beat it sounds.

I would suggest this album for any fan of pop music looking to experience a pop album that is different from anything you've ever heard.  Honestly, I would suggest this album to anyone looking to hear something new.  Rafter truly has created a unique experience in Sex, Death, Cassette. 

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