Cuneiform Tabs - Age (2025)

Age is the second album by Oakland duo Cuneiform Tabs (Matt Bleyle & Sterling Mackinnon), and it marks a bold evolution in their sound—melding psychedelic drone, chamber pop, and hypnagogic melodies with newfound clarity and songwriting focus.

While their debut was wrapped in haze and lo-fi crackle, Age strips some of that back to reveal sweeter, more melodic tunes, evoking comparisons to Animal Collective, Cindy Lee, Syd Barrett, and Flaming Tunes. Tracks like “Ivy,” “Orbital Rings,” and “Blended Medal” showcase dreamy strums, looping textures, and an experimental charm.

Recorded via long-distance tape trading between Oakland and London, the album embraces a DIY 4-track aesthetic while leaning more heavily into pop instincts and songcraft. Age feels both intimate and otherworldly—like overhearing Paul McCartney humming “Blackbird” down a hallway, or Leonard Cohen outside a Suicide gig. It's a surreal, emotionally rich listen from a band growing into their distinct voice.

Tracklist:
01-01 Cuneiform Tabs - Flush In The Cheeks [4:24]
01-02 Cuneiform Tabs - Crow Speech [4:00]
01-03 Cuneiform Tabs - Feiform Tabs [3:28]
01-04 Cuneiform Tabs - So Light [5:25]
01-05 Cuneiform Tabs - Orbital Rings [3:09]
01-06 Cuneiform Tabs - Ivy [4:24]
01-07 Cuneiform Tabs - Taoist Face Wash [3:27]
01-08 Cuneiform Tabs - Blended Medal [2:32]
01-09 Cuneiform Tabs - Alyosha [3:48]
01-10 Cuneiform Tabs - Flintstone Meal [2:50]