Still got a load of old tape reels lying around your attic from the 80s? Japanese experimentalists Open Reel Ensemble have discovered a striking modern use for your old school tapes – this eclectic band is breaking all musical boundaries to pioneer a new, innovative sound as oddly nostalgic as it is futuristically absurd.
By hooking magnetic tape up to bamboo sticks and a sound effects pad, Open Reel Ensemble has created a brand new instrumental technique, which they call “Tape Bowing.” Except, it sounds far better than you’re likely imagining.
To show off their staggering tricks, Open Reel Ensemble posted an original tape bowing composition to YouTube, where it’s amassed over one million views within a mere three months of hitting the site. Music Man readers can discover this quirky new instrument in the viral video above!
The band starts off with some slow sweeping notes, their bass notes sounding akin to a didgeridoo before eerie high frequencies cut in, ghostly and exquisitely retro.
But just as you think it can’t get any weirder, the rhythm kicks in with hilarious effect; a wet, funk groove steeped in psychedelia, sounding like something off The Mighty Boosh, played on instruments reminiscent of a Tim Burton contraption.
The effect is like hearing the year 1980 collide into the 2050s. We’re not even going to attempt to explain how the band conjures such awesome, pitch-perfect sound out of this strange new instrumental invention. But, after hearing the band master this game-changingly futuristic composition, we can safely bet that Gary Numan would be jealous of having not pioneered this sound.
In a world where digital production leads us, tunnel-visioned, into the future of music, it’s absolutely refreshing to see this band pump a new lease of life into the retro, discovering new sounds in abandoned analogue technology and crafting mind-blowing instruments out of what most of us would happily consider junk.
And, even better, ‘tape bowing’ isn’t just a gimmick to secure a viral video, though. Formed of instrumentalists Ei Wada, Haruka Yoshida, and Masaru Yoshida, Open Reel Ensemble are a legitimate band, with three full-length albums under their belt, and a selection of EPs and collaborations out on Bandcamp.
This viral vid is actively breaking down the barriers in music, bringing thousands together in awe, regardless of age or genre preferences.
Mindblown viewers have been busy sharing their unexpectedly wholesome perspectives in the YouTube comments, writing:
“I love how no matter what happens in the world humans will still find ways to make new and interesting sounds into music.”
“I’m glad we humans are still capable of innovation in music, with all this AI that melts our brain. Amazing sound, reminds me of 60s synths.”
“I’m 74 years old, have been addicted to electronic music for 55 years since I first heard it in 1968 at the age of 17. This ensemble is a first for me and I absolutely love it. I’ll be following this group for more pleasurable listening. Very innovative, you have my full attention.”
Open Reel Ensemble is redefining the boundaries of music with their inventive “Tape Bowing” technique, blending nostalgia with futuristic flair. Their viral YouTube video is a testament to their creative genius, and it’s captivating audiences worldwide. For those eager to delve deeper into their mesmerizing artistry, additional links have been provided below.