Veröffentlicht
Apr 15, 2022
- Soulful, breezy and just plain fun.
- New York-based, New Jersey-bred artist Physical Therapy stays true to his name with a groovy, therapeutic UK garage release Teardrops On My Garage on his own Allergy Season label. His personality shines through this five-track EP, which fuses poppy garage with lo-fi house in a cheeky, uplifting way. The title may very well be a play on Taylor Swift's "Teardrops On My Guitar," a nod to the bubblegum energy that pervades the EP. But despite the name—and his self-proclaimed "twee" nature—ultimately, these 2-steppers are sunshine through-and-through. They're springy DJ tools fit for both daytime raves and wee hours euphoria.
As the first release from the DJ-producer in nearly three years, following the dreamy Buttercup EP in 2018 and the next year's multi-alias "compilation," Teardrops On My Garage is charged with vital energy that doubles as a neat antidote for the pent-up blues of the past few years. Although each track holds its own, there are clear stylistic throughlines: expressive melodies, shuffled rhythms and chopped-up vocals that are almost impossible not to move to. The opener, "Circle Game," sets a pitched-up vocal sample from Bonnie Raitt’s "I Can’t Make You Love Me" next to syncopated, snappy percussion. "Chain Reaction," is a bit more subdued, where a wonky, funk-laced bassline offsets sultry, cut-up vocals that define the track’s core.
The piano-driven "2 Tears (Ladies Night Dub)" and poppy "Emotional Rescue" are the most moveable and emotive cuts on the release. The former pairs a slightly distorted kick with diva-esque vocals, making for a deeply catchy arrangement, while "Emotional Rescue" is a light-footed anthem. It’s simple but arresting, with a minimalist five-note melody and a high-pitched vocal sample that bleeds hyperpop. The EP ends with a soulful second version of "2 Tears," the "Illegal Mix," whose Motown vocals continue the consistent bright mood. But a staticky kick drum lends a little texture and edge to the EP's breezy style.
Teardrops On My Garage is something like a UK garage concept EP, but it's more playful than intellectual. Its tone and feel is emotionally instinctive, something Physical Therapy is well-known for in his DJ sets as well. The result is a welcome dose of happiness even amidst the heartbreak. Like Physical Therapy himself, it's original, light-spirited, a bit silly and oddly fun.
Tracklist01. Circle Game
02. Chain Reaction
03. 2 Rears (Ladies Night Dub)
04. Emotional Rescue
05. 2 Tears (Illegal Mix)