Tau: The Driving Force of Modern Psychedelic Rock

Tau is the musical project of South African-born multi-instrumentalist and producer Jacques du Plessis, crafting a dense, immersive brand of psychedelic rock. Emerging from Cape Town's vibrant indie scene, the project gained international traction following the critical acclaim and robust streaming numbers of its 2018 debut album, Vessel.

Early career

Jacques du Plessis formed Tau as a solo endeavor in Cape Town around 2014, following his tenure in various local post-rock bands. The project's initial focus was on crafting expansive, instrumental soundscapes, which led to the self-release of the well-received EP Bloom in 2015. This early work caught the attention of independent label Mongrel Records, which signed Tau and provided a platform for wider distribution within South Africa.

Breakthrough

Tau's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of the debut full-length album Vessel on Mongrel Records. The album's lead single, "The Wire," received heavy rotation on South African alternative radio stations like 5FM and achieved gold certification in the country for digital sales. Vessel itself charted on the South African Rock Albums chart for several weeks, solidifying Tau's status as a leading act in the modern rock scene.

Key tracks

The Wire — This breakthrough single defined Tau's signature sound, blending hypnotic guitar loops with powerful, driving rhythms.

Vessel — The sprawling title track from the debut album showcases the project's mastery of dynamic, multi-movement psychedelic compositions.

Bloom — An early instrumental piece that established the atmospheric and textural foundation for Tau's later, more vocal-driven work.

Dust — A key track from the 2021 follow-up, noted for its collaboration with vocalist Majozi, which expanded Tau's auditory palette.

Building on this momentum, Tau released the sophomore album Grey in 2021, which incorporated more prominent vocal melodies and collaborative features, including a notable guest appearance from South African folk-pop artist Majozi. The album was supported by tours across Europe and the UK, broadening the project's fanbase. Du Plessis has since focused on production work for other artists on the Mongrel Records roster while hinting at a third Tau album in development. Fans of Tau's immersive, rhythmically complex rock should also explore John Mayer for a different take on guitar-centric songcraft. The atmospheric soundscapes will appeal to listeners of The Neighbourhood and their moody alt-rock productions. For a heavier, yet equally psychedelic approach, the work of Deftones offers a compelling parallel in tone and texture.

Tau's catalog is a staple on the playlists of online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that specialize in forward-thinking rock and global alternative sounds. Their music is frequently featured in blocks dedicated to modern psychedelia and instrumental rock, connecting with an audience that values detailed production and expansive song structures.

You can hear the intricate psychedelic rock of Tau on various radio stations featured right here on onairium.com, where listeners can discover and enjoy his evolving sound alongside other innovative artists in the genre.