Tigers That Talked : 'Black Heart, Blue Eyes' EP
There are different ways to open an album or EP. It ranges from what you could call a Bright Eyes and not actually using a song, more noise and talking, all the way across to the other end of the spectrum and doing an Interpol by starting with something like 'Untitled', arguably one of the best introductions to a debut album. Folky Leeds four-piece Tigers That Talked are definitely leaning towards the Interpol route by opening their first label-released EP, 'Black Heart, Blue Eyes,' with an absolute barnstormer.
The opener and title track may not be the all conquering 'Untitled', but it is an ever evolving shot at Arcade Fire's urgent and rumbling folk. The constant changing pace and sheer size of sound holds you to singer Jamie Williams' every breath drawing obvious comparisons to The All New Adventures Of Us and Ra Ra Riot. With a backdrop of 'ah aah's and pounding bass and drums it sets the scene spectacularly and belies their numbers.
'Tigers That Talked' have borrowed some of Elbow's never ending beauty, non more so than on 'Smokescreen' with it's slow downbeat feel that grows into the sort of chorus Guy Garvey won the Mercury Prize with. Williams' vocals are that typically tortured, almost clichéd, murmur but it is as emotive and ranging as you'll hear. It tips the scale too far on closer 'Duet,' erupting into a fiddle led aggressive and incessant romp that smothers Williams into nothing more than a muffled cry.
'Tigers That Talked's dark and epic folk slots into that bulging cauldron of bands alongside the likes of My Latest Novel, T.A.N.A.O.U and Wild Beasts. Although there isn't anything that streaks them ahead of the others just yet, the signs are still good for what's still to come.
Words: Jack Phillips
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