By Phil Cooper
Black TarPoon have been around since 2014. Over the last five years, they’ve created a sound blended on classic Americana, blues and country with a gritty edge. With a nod towards the likes of Clutch and Goddamn Gallows, their tracks have a groove that creates an instant earworm while the lyrics, holding an edge of dark humour, tackle real life issues such as addiction and family life. This blend gives them an edge which has made them ones to watch within their local scene. 2021 sees them gearing up to release a new full length with ‘Probable Caws’; however, to ignite a further interest in what is to come, they have re-released 2020’s ‘The Thad EP’ on vinyl.
Opening with ‘Sarita’, those that are new to the TarPoon style get an immediate introduction. A country swing provided by the rhythm section hooks the listener in. The chorus opens out and with additional percussion backing up the guitar lines and it turns into a catchy, bouncy track. Lyrically however, the theme of a relationship breaking down acts as a juxtaposition to the jovial rhythm and melody lines but still manages to create an enthralling sing along. It’s a solid way to display the groups style in one swift motion and showcases the song-writing and musicianship well.
‘Gloom’ offers more of the same. The vocal melody lines take the lead and once again within the introduction bars a captivating engaging track is established. The clean tone of the guitars matches the laid-back vibe given by the rhythm section and all the components are again pulled together to display why Black TarPoon have become the force that they have on their local scene. The lyrics again are tinged with a darker edge than the music would indicate, this time discussing themes of depression and loneliness. ‘He Sleeps With The Fishes’ takes on a grittier and harsher edge than the previous tracks. The musical backing has a more instant swing to it, generating a pace that is impossible not to tap your foot too. The vocal delivery has a raspy edge compared to what has come before which matches the lyrical content of dealing with a cheating partners other lover. While the lyrics are talking what is again dark subject matter, Black TarPoon are able to throw in some humour that adds to the theme and again is another pull factor for the listener.
At just three tracks, ‘The Thad EP’ is over fairly rapidly, however, the music delivered is produced and executed in a way that it does get stuck in your head after just one play through. By the second play, it’s easy to sing along with the chorus and get more engaged with the tempo and rhythmic devices. Each listen through offers something a little bit different as one focusses on a different aspect of the music each time. This is testament to the compositional skill of the band as they’re able to create music that is short, punchy yet engaging enough that it doesn’t bore at any point. Despite this being a re-issue, ‘The Thad EP’ does offer a great advert for Black TarPoon and certainly sets them up for their album release later this year. If this is anything to go by, the future full length will offer a whole lot more to enjoy.
- ‘The Thad EP’ is released today (Friday 5 February). You can get your copy HERE.
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