After Nonplace‘s recent issue of two Drums Off Chaos EPs, they have chosen now to re-release Manos Tsangaris‘s 1989 12″ Elephant’s Easy Walk Through The Moonlight EP, but have replaced the original b-side “Drum 2” with a recent track, “Elephants Cry Salty Tears”, specifically recorded for the purpose of this edition.
The original track, recorded nearly thirty years ago, and solely by Manos, almost leaps out of the grooves, its infectious groove and clattering rhythm utterly beguiling. It starts off seemingly nodding to Test Department, but with the metallic sound of fireworks shooting off in random directions adding to the joyfulness of the unfettered rhythm. There is an African feel to elements of the track, but that is just one of the numerous ingredients that are mixed together to create this propulsive stew. It has a fairly simple danceable beat at its heart that would make it perfect on the dancefloor as well as for home listening, but that beat is augmented by high pitched electronics that add delightful texture to the track.
This literally sounds like there must have been about four people involved, but according to the sleeve it is just Manos. How he was able to intertwine all the elements to make it sound so integrated is extraordinary. It is impossible not to be moved by the addictive feel of the track, with all manner of percussion coming together for the benefit of our mental wellbeing. The b-side, recorded in 2017, is not quite so exultant and is lent a more sober air by what sounds like actual elephants whinnying (or whatever they do) over the track. Interestingly, the rhythm here is a little more awkward, as if Manos is giving us something to think about rather than just something that appeals directly to our heart. The tricky beat is allied to a Yello-like bass-line that is squelchy and elastic. Concentrating on the percussion, there seems to be a little more consideration giving to the interplay of the intricate rhythms and the layers dropping in and out as the track progresses make it a real work of art. Scrapes and squeals, 8-bit game sounds, bass drums and more are dropped in and out at the sort of intervals that make you want to play the whole thing again straight away to try and figure out what really is in there.I think in a simple two-track 12″, Manos has given something that appeals to the head and the heart. It sounds great indoors, letting the tracks wash over you but it would also work perfectly in some kind of post-loft DJ set, drawing on some of the early 1980s New York energy that drew people onto the floor. Fantastic!
-Mr Olivetti-
