TIGER LOU “The Loyal”
I’m not sure if Eyeball Records has a scout in Sweden or not, but they sure do have a knack for finding fresh, talented Swedes. The label picked up JETTIE and released their all-around solid US debut earlier this year, and now they’ve brought on TIGER LOU. While this quartet definitely shares certain dreamy qualities with JETTIE, they do differ in all-around approach. The project of Rasmus Kellerman, TIGER LOU writes songs that are full of guitar atmospherics and whispery vocals, but the songs are ultimately based in the beats of the rhythm section. This unique mix puts them in line with quite a few dreamy indie-rock acts, but TIGER LOU manage to distinguish themselves with quality, subtle hooks. The title track, for instance, has a mesmerizing vocal hook and “Nixon” has a superb bassline that moves things along. In fact, “Nixon” isn’t too far removed from some of THE EXIT’s later work. From start to finish, Kellerman and his boys in the LOU consistently perform well while offering enjoyable tunes. All in all, The Loyal continues Eyeball’s current hot release streak. – This is what the latest INTERPOL full-length should have sounded like. One of my early favorites for 2008 – Jordan
Eyeball
