"Charmer" - Tigers Jaw (2014)
I picked up the new Tigers Jaw LP yesterday and it did not disappoint.
I try not to listen to tracks when they come out before the LP. A lot of times when I have done that in the past, I've heard something that sounds completely different from an artist's previous work and it just ends up being weird hearing something different out of context from the rest of the record. So I went in blind with this LP. I was definitely not disappointed.
There's nothing incredibly different about this record, which I think is good because Tigers Jaw have a unique sound that they have honed in very well. I think my favorite part about this record is that Brianna Collins has some songs where her vocals really sit above everyone else's in the mix and she's really featured here more on this record than I think she ever has been in the past (though I don't have as intimate a familiarity with Two Worlds as I do with the S/T).
I think adding those songs fronted by Collins really makes Tigers Jaw a much more diverse group than the would be if she was just singing backup vocals, which makes a great band even better. That being said, you can still expect great performances and songwriting/lyrical capabilities from all members of the band. The whole group comes together in a great way to make something incredible on this record.
My only issue that I take with this album is the packaging on the LP. The jacket is wider as if it were intended to be a Double LP, but it's not so it's just awkward. And the lyric sheet in a giant poster which, if you're going to frame it and hang it up is awesome, but if you're just trying to read the lyrics, it's very annoying (so maybe I'll just frame it and hang it; if you can't beat 'em, join 'em). However, all the text on the front and back cover is embossed and that's very unique and something I appreciate. The artwork and layout was all done by vocalist/keyboardist Brianna Collina and it's very well done. I always like it a bit more when a member of the band is responsible for the artwork and it isn't done by some design firm who's being paid to make your record look nice. It makes the whole experience feel more genuine and like an actual piece of art rather than a product someone is selling you.
This is a record you're definitely going to want to pick up if you haven't already. Which most of you reading this probably already have so this review might be redundant but either way, go buy the record, don't just steal it off the internet. Really good, independent artists deserve our support.
Available on DD, CD and LP from Run For Cover Records
http://www.runforcoverstore.com/