From the very first banjo strums of The Tiger And Me’s debut album and one gets the distinct feeling that it’s going to be something a bit different. And that is most definitely a good thing. If you happen to be into quirky indie pop with a gypsy/cabaret/circus feel, full of boppy multi-vocalist songs – then look no further for this is the album for you.
First a little background. Having appeared on the music scene in 2007 as a duo, it wasn’t long before they gathered momentum and a few extra band members (currently at five) and made an impression on the local scene, along with support from triple j Unearthed. The group has since toured several festivals (including Port Fairy Folk Festival and New Music West Festival in Vancouver) and shortlisted as a finalist in the APRA Professional Development Awards in 2009.
Opening with the afore mentioned banjo strums, Oh My Darling begins as a dueling duet between lovers before adding trumpet and lazy drums before slowly speeding up into a group sing-a-long for the climax. Quickly setting the scene for the rest of the album, the song is followed by first single (and early highlight) Big Trapeze, an epic, sprawling gypsy/circus inspired tune full of catchy lyrics, violins and piano accordions.
Dangerous Creatures changes the pace a bit with vocalist Jane Hendry’s voice perfectly juxtaposed with the boppy tones of the ukulele creating a rather dark atmosphere, which is contradicted over the course of the following song – The Circus Or The Zoo begins rather forebodingly though quite jazzy with quirky shout outs and circusy background noise before building to a rather kick-line feel with accompanying la’s. Many Things has a rather dreamy start before moving into a more country feel, complete with The Panics-esque guitar, while Once A Poet brings the duet back for a somber number.
I Left The Wolves That Night is a wonderful slow burning song, sounding like it belongs in a French cafe with a bottle of red wine. With mournful trumpet and piano accordion verses before changing pace and building at the choruses to an infectious chorus of “la di la’s”. With hints of French and Spanish influences the song is one of the album’s highlights and sounds like it was a real joy to record.
’Til Sunrise is a dark melancholy ballad, while Half Light is a lovely subdued toe-tapping duet, with some fantastic violin work and Lady Grey continues the duet theme, this time more acoustically.
Lead A Merry Dance Around The Fire utilises Ade Vincent’s superb rough vocals with menacing piano building to a whirlwind, gypsy-esque dance in another highlight, which sounds like it would be a delight to hear live. And Lullaby rounds out the album, as one would expect, quietly before a rather crazy vocal ending.
Like a cross between the quirk and theatrics of Kate Miller Heidke and more folky tunes of The Gin Club or The Panics, The Tiger And Me have crafted an exceptional debut album. With wonderful songs and a niche that hasn’t been filled yet, the band can be extremely pleased with the album they have crafted.
