Unmade In Minutes. Pastel Blank

Listening to Unmade In Minutes for the first time, in fact opening song 'Sweet Nic' to be more precise, I ran out of time to recognise all the influence in there. Clinic popped up first, followed by Field Music, the older Split Enz came next, then Talking Heads and a host of other bands from the first half of the 80s. Little elements of all these artists pop up in this single song and then there are bands that gained popularity (or less so) from the early 10s onwards playing this kind of music, Django Django eg. That puts Point Blank on two sides of musical time, like so many bands are today, with Pastel Blank in the more funky equation of it all.

It doesn't stop there, as you will find a little Zappaesque rhythmic madness, some Astrud Gilberto style bossa nova, soft late 70s style disco and some soloing worthy of Steely Dan further on on Unmade In Minutes. In short, this is an album that keeps the connoisseur on their toes, while driving an unsuspecting average listener to sheer madness. Unmade In Minutes is more than just a record, it is an experience as well.

Pastel Blank is the Canadian musician Angus Watt, who surrounds himself with different musicians, that what a song takes. Watt describes his music as “dance music for people who don’t know how to dance.” It seems like a long haul to me, but some of the don't know how to dance people may not get noticed as the rhythm at times is so complex, even the dancers may get into trouble at some point.

Yes, I'll admit to not being able to follow Pastel Blank in all its moves and corners. I like certain songs better than others, but overall Unmade In Minutes stands out. The adventure Angus Watt takes me on is infectious, which makes me quite forgiving when the soft disco of the 70s come by. If I have to, I can even listen to Champagne's 'How About Us' in 2026, so Pastel Blank's 'Venitians' is a piece of cake.

For many people Unmade In Minutes may be far more than they can chew. If musically you like to surprised by the song, if not within the song, this is your album. Take a seat and let the musical adventure start right away with 'Sweet Nic'.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght

 

You can listen to and order Unmade In Minutes here:

https://pastelblank.bandcamp.com/album/unmade-in-minutes