By Lesley Macdonald
Fifteen years on from last release ‘The Definitive Act’ and four years since they reformed, Californian pop punks Tsunami Bomb finally have a new release. With the latest line-up comprising original and founding members Dominic Davi (bass/vocals) and Oobliette Sparks (keyboard/vocals) as well as Gabe Lindeman (drums) and Andy Pohl (guitars), expectations are high. While long-term fans may lament the refusal of vocalist Emily Whitehurst (Agent M) to re-join due to her other commitments, new frontwoman Kate Jacobi has spent the last few years cementing her place within the band on live tours and at festivals.
Oobliette’s contribution throughout this album is clear. First track ‘Tidal’ has an upbeat, synthesised lead in followed by Kate’s vocals which, at first listen, are more melodic than punk rock. The lyrics however tell a different story, of returning to the fans in spite of everything others try to do. ‘Naysayers’ follows in a similar vein but has a bit more heart in the vocal and a message that is likely to strike a chord: “don’t wait, live for today”. Lindeman shines on ‘The Hathors’, one of the few early standouts on the album. One of the best tracks for me is ‘Last Call’ which is poppy but definitely punk (yay). The two female vocalists sing lead together for much of the song. Worst track: ‘Phosphene’ doesn’t really go anywhere and seems repetitive and formulaic.
In fact, initially this album doesn’t seem to gel. Kate’s vocals can sound flat and lack energy in parts. I think the problem is that I don’t feel that she means it. ‘Petaluma’ is an illustration of this. A track with a bit of dimension, it changes pace several times but I still feel like I’m dragged to the end of three minutes where eventually (finally) someone screams at me (I think its Oobliette though..). Things may come across better on tour, in fact I’m pretty sure this band would rock this live, but on the LP it sounds more like Paramore or Evanescence than punk.
As other reviewers suggest, give ‘The Spine That Binds’ a chance and it grows on you. Yes, it is a good album, but I would expect more from a band with this experience. It is almost too derivative with nothing jumping out to smack you in the face. It’s also confusing; the album cover speaks of hard rock, and I’ve mentioned the haunting melodic punk mix of the music. For me they should pick a genre, other bands cross over better. Nevertheless, it’s nothing to despair about, the songs do eventually come into their own and what is here will be more than enough to please Tsunami Bomb’s fan base.
- ‘The Spine That Binds’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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