Tigerwine
Die With Your Tongue Out
(Blood & Ink Records)
Colorado-based Tigerwine offer up a fascinating musical hypothesis with their Blood & Ink debut: what would it sound like if you blended Thrice’s entire discography with bits of Brand New and Underoath? The result is a soaring, emotionally resonant record that is genuinely thrilling at its best. Distorted riffs and passionate lyrics are the name of the game here, and Tigerwine’s mix of soaring post-hardcore and amp-bursting grunge is a winner. What makes the record even more compelling is the diversity shown throughout, and how well different micro-styles are performed. “110” is as close to late-career Underoath as Tigerwine gets, but the strained and emotional vocal delivery is a really nice touch. It could feel out of place, with its raging riffs, but, instead, it shows off the band’s sonic range. It’s bookmarked by “Sign” and “Double-edged”, both of which feature songwriting that I like to call the “Hill” setting on an elliptical: all peaks and valleys leading up to a gorgeous release.
Some of this musical dexterity translates to some uneven numbers. “Sharp Elbows (Pt. 2)” succeeds on its lyrical resonance, but it’s not particularly musically interesting. “Soot” is also an unnecessary transitional piece. That said, Tigerwine generally nail it on their debut full-length. The lyrics reel you in to the musical grandeur that they are very adept at creating, and that makes for a consistently compelling and enjoyable listen. The potential is there for further greatness, and it’s way too good and assured for a first album.
