Gregory Robson
12/03/09, 08:50 AM
Tigercity - Ancient Lover
Record Label: Tigercity
Release Date: Oct. 20, 2009
Who?
Tigercity is a Brookly, NY indie band specializing in lo-fi, 70s-inspired electo-dance-pop. The band has turned heads at SXSW and was named a Rolling Stone Artist to Watch in 2007. Their first full-length debut Ancient Lover was produced by Chuck Brody (Peter Bjorn and Jon, Ghostface Killah).
How is it?
Interesting. This disc seems to be released at exactly the wrong time. That is to say, its about two decades too late and on the wrong continent. Everything about Ancient Lover feels rooted in the 1970s disco movement and the much-hyped European dance scene. The plethora of Bee Gees and Prince nods are everywhere, from album opener, "Fake Gold" to "Fall of Graz" The disc's most modern contributions include the spacey, hypnotic closer, "Matter of Time," featuring a nocturnal church organ and tack piano; and the synthesizer-fueled "Quicksand" There's a good dose of Britain in their sound too, from the New Order send-up "Red Lips," to the should-be single, "Mallory." Let it be noted that the latter is on par with "West End Girls," "Rio," and "Raspberry Beret," in its charm, hook and indelible chorus.
There's also the Davie Bowie-inspired pop song "My Type" which bounces along with a throbbing bass line and a propulsive snare. Tigercity is dynamic in that Bill Gillim's falsetto vocals and Joel Ford's big, funky bass anchor much of the sound. Chimes, bells and jerky guitars ebb and flow throughout making much of the effort an engaging aural exercise and an undeniable treat. From front to back, all of the songs movements are sexy and sprite, commanding both attention and an undeniable ability to want to move. So for those that still hang on to Saturday Night Fever and find comfort in polyester and roller skates, rest assured there is a band for you.
1. Fake Gold
2. Mallory
3. Ancient Lover
4. Fall of Graz
5. James Iha
6. Quicksand
7. My Type
8. Red Lips
9. Watching the Mountain
10. Better Place
11. Matter of Time
Bill Gillim: lead vocals
Joel Ford: bass
Andrew Brady: guitar
Aynsley Powell: drums
Under the Influence of Giants, Scissor Sisters, The Bee Gees, Prince, Roxy Music, Maroon 5
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/tigercity)
Record Label: Tigercity
Release Date: Oct. 20, 2009
Who?
Tigercity is a Brookly, NY indie band specializing in lo-fi, 70s-inspired electo-dance-pop. The band has turned heads at SXSW and was named a Rolling Stone Artist to Watch in 2007. Their first full-length debut Ancient Lover was produced by Chuck Brody (Peter Bjorn and Jon, Ghostface Killah).
How is it?
Interesting. This disc seems to be released at exactly the wrong time. That is to say, its about two decades too late and on the wrong continent. Everything about Ancient Lover feels rooted in the 1970s disco movement and the much-hyped European dance scene. The plethora of Bee Gees and Prince nods are everywhere, from album opener, "Fake Gold" to "Fall of Graz" The disc's most modern contributions include the spacey, hypnotic closer, "Matter of Time," featuring a nocturnal church organ and tack piano; and the synthesizer-fueled "Quicksand" There's a good dose of Britain in their sound too, from the New Order send-up "Red Lips," to the should-be single, "Mallory." Let it be noted that the latter is on par with "West End Girls," "Rio," and "Raspberry Beret," in its charm, hook and indelible chorus.
There's also the Davie Bowie-inspired pop song "My Type" which bounces along with a throbbing bass line and a propulsive snare. Tigercity is dynamic in that Bill Gillim's falsetto vocals and Joel Ford's big, funky bass anchor much of the sound. Chimes, bells and jerky guitars ebb and flow throughout making much of the effort an engaging aural exercise and an undeniable treat. From front to back, all of the songs movements are sexy and sprite, commanding both attention and an undeniable ability to want to move. So for those that still hang on to Saturday Night Fever and find comfort in polyester and roller skates, rest assured there is a band for you.
1. Fake Gold
2. Mallory
3. Ancient Lover
4. Fall of Graz
5. James Iha
6. Quicksand
7. My Type
8. Red Lips
9. Watching the Mountain
10. Better Place
11. Matter of Time
Bill Gillim: lead vocals
Joel Ford: bass
Andrew Brady: guitar
Aynsley Powell: drums
Under the Influence of Giants, Scissor Sisters, The Bee Gees, Prince, Roxy Music, Maroon 5
Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/tigercity)