Teletextile - Care Package
Self-released (2007)
Art rock / Indie

Teletextile is the post-musical project of the Pamela Martinez Band. Lead singer Martinez is quoted on the band’s Web site as saying, “[Teletextile's] name comes from an obsession with relating music and art you can touch and feel like fabric.” Enlisting another talented multi-instrumentalist, Brian Hamilton, they put forth Care Package. The album was recorded at a variety of different locations, and showcases a host of fabulous musicians, while highlighting the incredible vocal and instrumental range of Martinez and Hamilton.

Care Package uses a wide array of musical instruments ranging from cello, harp, violin, mallet and piano to convey a sense of vulnerable isolation. The album bears grace and magnitude with a composition of oscillating sensations. It is minimalist, indulgent, dreamy and epic.

“Come to Bed”, the album’s opener, is heartbreaking and sensitive—a lonely, beautiful song. Martinez coos: “So I hold my breath and wait for the moment / But when you appear, your lips supply air / Your comfort comes to be nothing…” “Ampm Two” includes a simple but hypnotic piano arrangement, subtle bursts of violin and Martinez’ top-notch vocals. This track ranks up there as one of my favorites on the album. As an aside, this song is also featured as a video on a DVD music video that you can obtain at the band’s live performances.

“Gesso” takes a descent into a darker space. Martinez’s lyrics, while retaining their airy quality, are assertive and graphic: “I’m standing naked now between two mirrors / There’s a couple of scars to prove that I have lived”

I had the great pleasure of seeing Teletextile live in Allston, Mass., and I would recommend casual lovers of the Dresden Dolls, or Björk (which is a stretch in either case, though, since Teletextile are true originals) to catch them on their upcoming Midwest tour.

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