Peptalk is Michael Carter of Tyondai Braxton (electronics), Shayna Dunkelman of Xiu Xiu (percussion) and Angelica Negron of Balún (vocals). The band was formed in Oakland, CA after Mike and Shayna discovered a mutual appreciation for mid-century exotica artists like Esquivel, Robert Drasnin, and Martin Denny who used percussion with bird calls, synthesizers and orchestra instruments to envision strange faraway places...

The above synopsis is taken from the press release. So, knowing that the band was partly influenced by an artist "who used percussion with bird calls, synthesizers and orchestra instruments to envision strange faraway places" I probably should have been a little more prepared for what I was about to listen to.

I have to admit that I wasn't really a fan. I've listened to Islet over a dozen times and still didn't get anything from it. In fact, I only really enjoyed 'Bow Chaser', which has a hypnotic anthem at its core.

They claim that the concept for this album was derived in part from the sci-fi and cyberpunk elements of Blade Runner, the haunting and mysterious elements of Twin Peaks, and the surreal tropical vibe of Fantasy Island.

It is novel, I'll give them that, and anyone looking for something a little different may find much to enjoy here. While I appreciate what they were striving for, it wasn't something that I'd want to listen to for pleasure.

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Nick Smithson