Telescope Mind

This San Francisco-based group puts together funky instrumentals with an indie-rock sensibility; the tracks make you want to move, but there’s also a sense of arty building-block minimalism at play. Telescope Mind, the group’s second full-length, sounds sharper than their debut, Kling-Klang, but stakes out similar musical turf. “Warning” instantly recalls classic ESG, but Tussle are obviously more proficient musicians than their innovative forbearers, making for a more polished sound. On “Elephants,” the group filters a Liquid Liquid chug through their own sensibility to create a distinctive groove. One element that sets Tussle apart from various ‘80s groups is their use of electronics to fill out the streamlined tracks. On “Cloud Melodie” Tussle leaves strong beats behind altogether, creating an intriguing slice of Krautrock-like ambience reflected in the song’s title. Ultimately, it will be cuts like “Trappings,” with its delicious spray of Latin percussion, that will stick in listeners’ heads and provide crafty party fuel.