TOMMY GUN
Australia-based TOMMY GUN have just released their debut album and I have sat down to give you some highlights of their new material.
First up is “Siri,” a fresh take on the modern-day relationship we have with our smartphones. The song is built around a solid beat and synth keys that give the track a catchy, earworm-like melody. There is a nice touch of psychedelia in the music of Tommy Gun that is subtly present in all of the textures they select. “Siri” has some nice, stripped-back sections where the bass line is left to carry the melody. Guitar attractively riffs over some sections. I really like the use of phasers on the cymbals and the odd use of tape stop effects that give the song tasteful ear candy, again, adding to that psychedelic hazy vibe. The vocal performance is laid-back and cool and beautifully delivers the tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The song is enhanced by the backing vocals, which widen the key lyrical lines. Lyrically, the song touches on the idea that our technology comprehends us better than we do.
Next up is “I Will Wait,” a beautifully crafted track that immediately captures the listener’s attention with its unusual noises at the beginning. The song has a contemplative and introspective feel, thanks to the soft acoustic guitar. Percussion is added, which gives the arrangement a waltzing-like vibe. The bass provides a slow, grooving foundation, pulsing away and pushing the song forward. Trumpets support “I Will Wait” in the odd place, giving the song a nice elegance and adding to the melodic lines where there are spaces left in-between the lyrics. The song’s beautiful, laid-back atmosphere is enhanced by the electric guitar's gentle riffing. The vocal is soft and charming, with some truly lovely tones. The airy and luscious supporting voices wonderfully balance the lead vocal and contribute to the track's ethereal vibe. The band describe the song’s meaning: “the song serves as a journey of introspection, prompting the listener to reflect on life and the world we inhabit. The lyrics, "I will wait for you, even when it is all gone. I'll always be true," reflect the enduring hope and steadfastness of love.”
Finally, I take a look at “I Want You.” This one starts with night time foley sounds and spoken samples. There is a chilled and also romantic feel to the mood. The song is minimal in its feel, with a slow electronic drum beat and a deep bass providing the core foundation to the song. Soft guitar dreamily and softly melts into the arrangement. The song’s fizzy guitar solo adds a warm, contrasting texture to the songs soft, clean tones. The dreamy ambience of “I Want You” is enhanced by the smooth and quiet vocal delivery. The emotional effect of the words, which depict the tremendous longing and desire one has for a lover, is beautifully supported, as with all these songs, by airy backing vocals. The song perfectly expresses the feeling of dreaming of being with your loved one while staying up all night texting them. There is a gorgeous melancholy and longing as the main chorus hook of “I Want You” is delivered. There is a real feeling and longing for the desire of love.
Overall, these three songs showcase the ability of TOMMY GUN to create beautifully crafted, highly sophisticated, and intelligent music. The tracks are filled with beautiful textures, great hooks, well-executed vocals and a healthy tinge of psychedelia. Their new album promises to be a true stunner and you can get it here.