War Tapes : Turtles

During the 2009 holiday season, War Tapes generously donated the proceeds of Turtles to PETA to fight against animal cruelty. Now that the holidays have passed, the EP was officially digitally released Jan 19th.

War Tapes Gives the Skinny:

The new EP is 5 songs in total, 4 of them are alternate versions of pre-existing War Tapes songs and the other is a cover of VNV Nation's song "Illusion." This EP was produced and mixed by William [War Tapes' drummer]! ... What started as an idea of recording acoustic versions of some of our previously released songs has turned into something a little different and we are extremely excited to get this out to your eardrums!

Alternative Press Reviews Turtles:

This digital-only collection of alternate versions from this Los Angeles neo-new-wave outfit's previous full-length, The Continental Divide, is a curious companion piece. Of the four tracks retooled for this EP by WT drummer William Mohler, the lush, atmospheric version of "Always Falling" rivals its album counterpart in terms of vision. The remix of "Take Me Like Nothing" finds singer Neil Popkin sounding like a graduate of a Leonard Cohen finishing school, as the lugubrious tempo and sampling effects make for a gothtronic soundtrack worthy of Twin Peaks legend Angelo Badalamenti. On the acoustic tip, this version of "Use Me" seems poised for placement on the prime-time TV drama of your choice (personally, I'd go with House, M.D.), and the revisited "Dreaming Of You" snuggles under the Milky Way alongside doppelgangers of Ian McCulloch and Liz Fraser's mid-'80s selves. As a stand-alone item in the band's catalog, Turtles is an interesting diversion. But it does succeed in conveying Mohler's ability to steer the band toward a number of different sonic possibilities--precisely why the next War Tapes record will be something to keep your ears at the ready.

~ Jason Pettigrew

In the Words of PETA

We first met War Tapes at this year's highly buzzed about, week-long music fest, South by Southwest. The California quartet instantly caught our eye as a band to watch out for and when we found out they have vegan members, it was a match made in "doom pop" heaven. War Tapes have been getting high praise from music industry insiders all year and after touring with legendary bands like Tiger Army and VNV Nation, I think it's safe to say I'm not the only person who can't wait for this new EP!