calebt (Curator)

Wikipedia has a lot to say about the Pukeko, a New Zealand-bred relative of the Purple Swamp Hen. Most interesting, however, is the section on the birds' "roadside behavior" -- they forage in packs alongside New Zealand highways, looking for food and grit (preferably red, preferably not blue), until they wander onto the highway and are killed by passing vehicles.

Luckily, the Pukeko behind the production of the most recent Teengirl Fantasy E.P. lives nowhere near any New Zealand roads, and stumbles upon much more palatable grit. BJ Rubin is the face behind the blog, responsible for digging up high-quality gems like ancient Black Dice recordings and a High Places demo robbed straight from their cradle. But Rubin has matured from scavenger to predator and started a record label of his own, dubbed Dick Move, whose inaugural release was Knyfe Hyt's recent 12". Teengirl Fantasy struck his fancy when BJ saw their show at Vassar, and he happily released a digital copy of their new E.P., TGIF, on his blog.

Teengirl Fantasy, as Rubin notes, make computer music without computers. Their catchy, lethargic electronic compositions are constructed on a variety of samplers and synthesizers - notably a mini-Korg and a Roland Juno-G augmented by a variety of pedals. As a bonus, the duo records direct to tape. The difference is noticeable -- there is an analog/human warmth to their songs that would make Kraftwerk roll over in their grave. The E.P. is four catchy tracks that float along effortlessly, demonstrating an impressive amount of taste and control over their repeating melodies. Captivating, but not belligerent -- the music would be happy playing an Eno-esque background/ambient role, but never ceases to be interesting or engaging. Certainly a sign of good things to come.