Review / 200 Words Or Less
Tessela
Rough 2 EP

Different Grooves (2014) — Edward

Tessela – Rough 2 EP cover artwork
Tessela – Rough 2 EP — Different Grooves, 2014

This drug influenced, euro-electronic laser beam, drum and bass can be very, VERY repetitive, Anxiety inducing, tough to listen to, and at times I felt like it was going to trigger a panic attack or an audible seizure.

An ‘80s pop-locking, track suit wearing dance crew wouldn't touch this album that brings no emotion or anything of value to the table. 

It does have a deep and complex upbeat sound, although I can't imagine it being played anywhere else except a rave. There's so much going on, it can be overwhelming at times. I felt like I was listening to two space ships shooting laser beams at each other in a low budget science fiction movie. It brings back memories of playing Vectorman and feels like I got stuck in a Sega Genesis. I'm not sure how many times Tessela tries to get away with, “oh, you think the song is over...? Well, it’s not,” an example being track 2 titled “Butchwax” that will stop dead for a couple of seconds mid-song; only to kick in heavier with, pretty much, the same beat.

Luckily this is a short EP and I wasn't forced to listen to it longer than I had to.

3.0 / 10 — Edward • July 22, 2014

Tessela – Rough 2 EP cover artwork
Tessela – Rough 2 EP — Different Grooves, 2014

Recently-posted album reviews

Uncle Acid and the DeadBeats

Shapes of Midnight
Killer Candy Records (2026)

Stoner rock is one of the most astounding and incredible genres emerging in the rock scene today. It's a global phenomenon with countless bands across the world, plus various subgenres such as desert rock, stoner doom and psychedelic (heavily influenced by the original psychedelic bands of the '60s and '70s). At the forefront of this genre and in the vanguard … Read more

Various Artists

Tightwire / Canadian Rifle - Nietzsche
Red Scare Industries (2026)

Available in a black and white print gatefold sleeve, this is a 2-band, 6-song split 7". The gate fold is a nice touch to a classic split 7", complete with full lyric sheets. When the needle hits it's cleanly produced pop-punk in the vein of Lookout Records, built on crisp melodies and harmonies. While it's bright and sunny in sound, … Read more

Sweeping Promises

You Say I Romanticize
Sub Pop (2026)

What strikes me foremost about this record are the vocals. As the father of a 13 y.o. daughter I feel qualified to say that this person could be a pop singer. I mean I don’t really know what it takes to be one, although I’m sure that it’s more than a voice good enough to win a game show, I’ve … Read more