Yet again The Tiger And Me have managed to create a musical beast that encapsulates a veritable host of genres without batting an eyelid. A dark and brooding energy pulsates through The Silent City, the second installation in the series of EPs the band is midway through releasing, and it’s sweet but menacing nature is intent to seduce the listener.
Opener The Smoke is a melancholic folk pop number that builds gradually – mournful horns waft in and out, while keys tinker moodily. The atmosphere builds throughout, a choir of voices eventually bringing The Smoke to a resplendent climax against the back drop of a marching snare and lonely trumpet, closing the song in a powerfully subtle but poignant manner.
Next up is Red Road, driven only by a few notes on the piano and some electric guitar woven surprisingly well together. It’s amazing how The Tiger And Me are able to arrange their music to utilise the most basic of instrumentation to maximum effect. Ghostly backs ups create a sense of uneasiness within the smoky cabaret jazz of Red Road, and triangles and chimes help build a soundscape akin to one you might hear in the background of a Tim Burton movie for the gothic pre-teen set. Once again the song reaches a momentous peak but crashes down and ends with a whisper.
Looking Around, is an earthy, more traditional folk number that ebbs and flows, sincere and evocative one minute, buoyant and optimistic the next, while The Watchmaker sways from side to side in a wistful manner conjuring the image of a motely group of miscreants coming for your soul at a slow but steady pace. Further displays of beautifully crafted arrangements and talented musicianship continue on throughout the last two tracks, Love’s A Fire and Trick Or Truce.
The Tiger and Me’s, The Silent City EP is a musical display of grace, passion, mystique and allure. It may not have the rollicking gypsy good times of their previous EP The Howling Fire, but it’s intent is clear, sinister and decidedly darker.
BY KRYSTAL MAYNARD
Best Track: Red Road
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In A Word: Alluring
