Graceful guitars, joyful drums, and rich vocals distinguish the self-titled debut from Toronto-based band Tiger Balme.
Following four years of live performances, Toronto-based alternative band Tiger Balme has released their self-titled debut album, and the experience under their belt is evident in the final product. Each band member’s contributions weave in and out of one another, forming an acoustic landscape that is comforting and touching. Though Tiger Balme the album is at times inconsistent, with certain tracks missing the rich and layered production of others, the songs that shine do so brightly.
While “Fit of Passion,” the album opener, doesn’t do justice to the magic that follows it, “Saving Face”, one of the album’s two singles, quickly grabs the listener’s attention with its soaring strings, vibrant drums, and the haunting interplay between its vocals and broken guitar chords. The production on “Short Fuse” is slightly muffled, yet the track’s hypnotic backing melody and irregular drumming are notable. A personal highlight on Tiger Balme is “All Eyes Open,” a soothing and mesmerizing journey that culminates with an explosion of distorted vocals and determined drumming. “Golden Repair” features an interesting combination of plucked strings and hymnal vocals, though the instrumentation can feel stiff at times.
The record’s final two tracks are both powerful, closing the album on a sentimental note. “Welcome Back” integrates graceful guitars, joyful drums, and rich vocals to create an ethereal soundscape that is constantly in motion. “Angelo” features detailed production, delicate instrumentation, and a comforting array of layered backing vocals that soothe the listener as Tiger Balme fades into silence.
