Search - International Tall Dwarfs :: Stumpy - The Album

"International" Tall Dwarfs is the latest moniker for one of New Zealand's finest experimental pop acts, the duo of Alec Bathgate and Chris Knox. This disc is the byproduct of the Tall Dwarfs' request on its prior album (3 EPs) for fans to submit tape loops suitable for sampling. The duo ended up using about eight submissions, some of which are no-brainers (lo-fi guitar and bass-riffs) and some that are just weird (radio static). Each composition ends up lasting around 2 minutes, with the coda "Up" stretching in at 20. The concept certainly doesn't help the music's consistency; "Crocodile" is one of a few stand-out tracks. It may not be the classic indie-pop album 3 EPs was, but it's still a worthwhile listen. --Jason Verlinde