Bio: OPTMSM is an opportunistic futuro synth project featuring Pete Feigenbaum from Dinowalrus and Titus Andronicus, and Angus Tarnawsky from Bachelor of Arts, Apache Beat and Rewards. Angus recently moved to ... (more)
Bio: OPTMSM is an opportunistic futuro synth project featuring Pete Feigenbaum from Dinowalrus and Titus Andronicus, and Angus Tarnawsky from Bachelor of Arts, Apache Beat and Rewards. Angus recently moved to Brooklyn from Melbourne, Australia.
Taking inverted cues from the nihilistic communications/branding theories of Throbbing Gristle and PiL, OPTMSM is a gesture in instant gratification via condensed structures, lush synthscapes and lowridin' club beats, a contrast and diversion from the ambitious no-wave and psychedelic worlds of their main projects. In 2010, Confusion is NOT Sex. The project is driven by upbeat cynicism, a focus-group mentality and a precise awareness of hyped blogosphere trends.
Sonically, the project resembles au-courant synth mavens SALEM, Telepathe, Pictureplane, and (gasp!) Passion Pit; as well as classics like Gary Numan, Cybotron and Cocteau Twins. A touch of dubstep is thrown in too.
OPTMSM is a psychological experiment--the intent is that giving listeners exactly what they want while expunging indulgent or overly erudite instincts will allow Pete and Angus to enjoy an effortless and joyous career experience, turning their musical optimism into a positive feedback loop of success and snowballing appeal.
The tracks were created at Angus' apartment in the Greenpoint cancer belt, which has housed optimistic notables including Josh from Small Black, Kickball Katy from Vivian Girls and Ian O'Neil from Deer Tick. To make things as effortless as possible, almost everything was recorded DI with Microkorg presets and looped Roland SPD hits.
Mike Dos Santos from Apache Beat, The Homosexuals and the Realistics makes a cameo on backing vocals, as does Angus’ flatmate Isabelle of the Summery Agency. (less)
