Delay Tactics

Featuring: Carl Weingarten

Carl Weingarten and Multiphase Records return to Emotional Rescue with a collection of the music of Delay Tactics and their live, reel-to-reel and collaborative experimentation, that spawned two remarkable albums. After meeting guitarist Reed Nesbit from the St. Louis new wave scene , Weingarten joined forces for a series of concerts, performing with guitars running through tape looping delay systems similar to Robert Fripp’s ‘Frippertronics’ ideals.

Producer and engineer Walter Whitney joined to record the debut album, Out-Pop Options (1982), when it became clear his skills were a perfect addition. Recording to 4-track analog tape, the sound developed from drone based to proto-techno pop. Digital technology, drum machines, guitar pedals and digital effects offered creative freedom that resulted in rhythmic, kraut inspired pieces.

These Kosmiche leanings retain a unique US aesthetic and continued after Nesbit’s departure. When guitarist David Udell joined for Any Questions? (1984), greater explorations – now recorded to 8 track – pushed the envelope to a wider sound.

In an age of endless holy grails, the work of Delay Tactics has a resonance, spanning Brian Eno to Ashra but with a place and sense beyond Europe and towards to new age and fourth world leanings of Laraaji, Jon Hassel and Stearns.