Phoenix-based AltProg Rock band with a penchant for psychedelic vibes and hard-hitting grooves

I find myself, upon completion of my initial Scene Steelers article, drunk on power. How could you ever think otherwise? So, with my new grandiose vanity, I decided to highlight in my second of such musings an instrumental project that isn’t even metal. In addition to such a breathtaking power move, the bassist of said band is a personal friend. NEPOTISM I hear you whine and whinge, yet I care not. I do with my newfound power what I wish…now allow me to lay upon you some sweet-ass prog/psych rock with Tapestrees. Does it chugg? No, but will you chubb? Definitely!

Starting in San Jose, California as a progressive rock project with a jazz vibe from founding member Joe Peifer (you can tell which one he is because he’s the handsome one), Tapestrees was simply the result of the talented musician taking his skills and pairing them with his inspirations. Initially a loose jam-oriented project in origin, Peifer also included his fondness for Spanish music, a component that continues through to the band’s current iteration. While handling the completely simple tasks of teaching himself keys and the other musical parts needed to finish the pieces, he released the 2015 self-titled debut. Soon after, Joe moved to Phoenix to begin searching for new members to forge the project anew…kinda like a phoenix or something.

Prior to the band reaching its current form, Joe was made aware of drummer Steven Parent (you can tell which one he is because he’s the handsome one) through a mutual colleague around 2016. Through this introduction, Steven began recording quickly with Joe performing the percussion duties from their 2017 album Hyperborea (an album completed in Joe’s bedroom) onward to the present. With his influences of greats such as Gavin Harrison and Matt Garska, a high level of groove and technicality was injected, bringing the backbone needed for any legitimate group. What makes Tapestrees stand out is a sense of experimentation in electronic, synthy noise and choppy riffs just daring you not to bob your head and marvel at the tempo shifts. Bringing in guest musicians to perform additional piano/synth work, saxophone, and even atmospheric vocals only adds to the varying levels of captivating musicianship displayed.

Still in search for a bassist to fill out the remaining slot, Joe went looking through sketchy totally normal means in order to eventually come into contact with Carlos Tavares (you can tell which one he is because he’s the handsome one). Alright, it was through Vampr, or basically a musician match-making app pretty much like Grindr, but for artists searching for their Huckleberry. Bringing his own musical influences to the project, Carlos inserts his style of popping bass lines with earworm capabilities. A longtime lover of various styles ranging from emo to classic and Latino rock, he can often be found performing gigs at local bars and venues playing classic Spanish rock songs. I am just hopeful that through my influence and me dragging him along to shows with me often, their newest material will include some new ideas in the goregrind realm.

With the lineup now complete as a trio, the band then began working on their first full release together. However, a little event known as the COVID pandemic forced them to write and bounce ideas through email and voice notes. During this time, Joe and crew were working through obvious feelings of anxiety while navigating constantly fluctuating lockdowns and social distancing. This led to the formulation of their newest album OLLIN, an Aztec term meaning an orderly and chaotic movement or change, which would become a spiritual endeavor in order to place away negative feelings in a healthy way. Each member wrote their own tracks for the album bringing a sense of character and memorability often lacking in purely instrumental music. Shifts in meter, bouncy riffs, and melancholic atmosphere always keep your attention anchored as you awe at each new musical idea introduced.

Matching the spirituality throughout the runtime, Steven brings his influences through tight and tasteful drum fills/grooves hearkening everything from Animals As Leaders to The Police. The man is also a massive Porcupine Tree fan just for an extra dash of legitimacy. Not to be outshone, the bass slides up and down the fretboard with liquid-like smoothness as well as pinpoint start-stops driving the underflow as each track progresses. Along with these facets are electronic soundscapes and synth lines intertwined for both mood and mania performed by Joe and that is not to mention his truly impressive guitar chops—an enthralling playing style that refuses to exist in a singular source of inspiration. Simultaneously technical and melancholic, each playful riff is swiftly accompanied by musical layering from the other instruments to cement each transition and frill on a ride showcasing their roots from the band’s several varying inspirations. A truly engaging and invigorating listen, especially considering the hurdles involved in making it a reality.

Currently, Tapestrees is focusing on an acoustic live set, incorporating further Spanish influence at the local mainstay venue/divebar Yucca Tap Room on August 13th, which will be a free show. After that, as stated by the band themselves, they shall be in constant search of new grooves.

Click here to find out more about the socials and merch for Tapestrees and also buy their music on Bandcamp.