Milky Chance presents "Trip Tape III," a casually curated and nostalgically crafted assemblage that occupies the space between a mixtape and a transitional album. The German duo embraces the Trip Tape concept, established in 2021 as a studio platform for experimentation and exploration. This third installment reinforces that ethos: recorded between Berlin and Kassel, eleven tracks amalgamate originals and reinterpretations into a collage that appears intentionally improvised. If you anticipated a polished manifesto suitable for radio, this release is not it; however, if you seek a glimpse of a band probing its boundaries, "Trip Tape III" provides that experience.
The record's sound exists in the interstice between radiant grooves and subdued melancholy. The album commences with the tropical-infused track "Camouflage" and progresses to electronic pieces such as "Safari," showcasing production that emphasizes organic textures, resonant guitars, consistent percussion, and subtly undulating synths that evoke a human quality. The arrangements exhibit a simplicity; nothing is excessive, and this restraint enhances the album's strength, allowing subtle instrumental embellishments and tonal variations to convey emotional depth.
Clemens Rehbein's voice continues to serve as the project's emotional guide. His raspy voice and inclination for wistful phrasing permeate the record, transforming simple melodies into something subtly poignant. Regardless of whether the tempo is leisurely or brisk, the vocal delivery anchors the songs in human emotion, frequently implying more than the lyrics explicitly convey. The interaction between his voice and the instruments accentuates the record’s core tension: joy and sorrow intertwined.
"Trip Tape III" excels in its deliberate imbalance: tracks that simultaneously convey a sense of simplicity and intricate texture. Reimagined covers, such as the one for Million Dollar Baby, eliminate ostentation to expose vulnerability, while rapid transitions engage with rhythmic elements without forsaking the duo's folk essence. The album exists within those subtleties, evoking moments that may inspire dance despite an emotional heaviness, rendering it suitable for audiences who favor nuance over immediate satisfaction.
"Trip Tape III" serves as an unvarnished chronicle of a band in transition. The record, featuring contributions from artists such as Mike “Bonecrusher” Vattuone and Tom Meagher, strikes a balance between spontaneity and artistry, providing an expansive experience rather than a compilation of greatest hits. While it may not fulfill every desire for immediacy, Milky Chance has crafted a subtly impactful work for those who value organic rhythm, minimalist production, and a propensity for exploration. This release resonates quietly, remaining authentic to their essence and, intriguingly, at ease with its own ambiguity.
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