For those unaware, Elements of Surprise is the third album by Delay Tactics and the nine song CD comes in a 4 panel digipak featuring artwork by Walt Whitney and design by Tom Carlson.

You read that right, Elements of Surprise is the latest release from the techno-pop instrumental trio Delay Tactics and was produced and recorded by the original members Walter Whitney (keyboards, synthesizers), Carl Weingarten (electric and slide guitars) and David Udell (acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards), with special guest Michael Manring on fretless bass.

Delay Tactics was among the first American bands to produce music using digital instruments,including looping, sampling and delay effects, and was one of the most innovative indie bands of the 1980s.

Formed in 1981 as the tape-looping guitar duo of Carl Weingarten and Reed Nesbit, Delay Tactics made its mark with late night ambient music concerts in St.Louis movie theaters.

Within a year, synthesist/sound designer Walter Whitney joined the band while recording the first Delay Tactics album, Out-Pop Options (Multiphase1982). Nesbit departed in 1983 and was replaced by guitarist David Udell (of Wax Theatricks) and Delay Tactics release their second album, Any Questions? (Multiphase 1984).

1. Viola’s Ascent (7:55)
2. Kalimba Lounge (5:08)
3. Shadow of Berlin (5:10)
4. Don’t Wake The Pharaoh (5:45)
5. Fire Ceremony (4:35)
6. Ever Unwinding (5:23)
7. Idea3 (4:30)
8. Acoustic Reprise (4:37)
9. Three Voices (5:03)

Opening on the the pop-ambient sound of Viola’s Ascent and the atmospherically-charged Kalimba Lounge, they are in turn followed by the prog-imbibed, rangy rock beauty Shadow of Berlin and a track that would make even Philip Glass proud, Don’t Wake The Pharaoh.

Up next is the deeply transformative rhythms within Fire Ceremony and that is itself backed seamlessly by the European ambient sounds akin to early Ultravox captured within the mighty Ever Unwinding, the new age-imbibed Idea3 is along next, the album rounding out on the pastoral and evocative Acoustic Reprise, coming to a close on the spacious elements creatively sewn throughout Three Voices.

Walter Whitney – synthesizers, electric guitar, manipulated sounds, fizzy guitar, drums, piano
David Udell – electric/lead guitar, steel and nylon string acoustic guitars, bass, keyboards synth, cut and paste
Carl Weingarten – acoustic and electric guitars, slide guitar, loops, delays
Michael Manring – fretless bass

Delay Tactics - Viola’s Ascent [Official Music Video]

Delay Tactics - Ever Unwinding [Official Music Video]

www.delaytacics.com

www.carlweingarten.com

Official Purchase Link

Carl Weingarten @ Bandcamp

Delay Tactics @ Facebook

Carl Weingarten @ Facebook

Carl Weingarten @ YouTube

Carl Weingarten @ Flickr