Consistency Reigns True Here
There are times when repetition in art is desired. If one happens to be in the current position of yearning for an album that’s of that nature, one that they could listen to in which the sound stays constant throughout and doesn’t supply too many trivial differences or drastic juxtapositions, is Brothertiger’s self-titled album, which was released near the end of 2022.
While the overall sound is consistent and often repetitious, quite a few songs off the album are elaborate and wondrous. Techno-pop grants the vibe of this album something that evokes the thrill that A-ha’s “Take On Me” brought to the masses numerous decades ago. Harmonics accompany the instrumentation here; they’re certainly an interesting artistic musical choice, not foreign nor alienating.
The first track, “Tangerine,” opens up with hysteria, a ton of random voices inviting listeners into this brand-new world of music. A vast vocabulary is present as well, conjuring vivid imagery that takes one away to a cliff overlooking an oasis.
Other tracks detail the various levels of existence. “Heaven” fittingly feels heavenly and is as almighty as a new day on the horizon; meditative as it is, it revives the reality of Brothertiger as he melancholily sings, “I’m comin’ back to life.” And while it’s relaxing, it’s playfully dreary, but that’s what’s so fun about this album.
“Arizona,” contradictorily, sounds like a groove taking place deep in a rainforest. Noise aside, its lyrics are as rich as Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, because it all comes off as a love letter to a life-changing road trip throughout the United States. That flavorful imagery is back and on full display here, too, since the travel aspects are emphasized to the fullest. If listeners are to put on headphones in order to listen, they’ll have no hard time picturing themselves in the cabin of a car, zooming past the picturesque landscapes all over the country, and that feeling maintains the welcoming feel that soon becomes just a bit repetitive, but not too uninviting or obnoxious.
“New Life” and “Summer Wave ‘98” perhaps are the strongest of the album. The former is really a call for new life, an insightful and encouraging track that’s sure to accentuate the value of going through the motions and then consequently being content with whatever’s thrown one’s way. Truly, it’s only then that the profound results of all kinds of matters become apparent. The latter, alternatively, begins with birds twittering and chirping, setting up the image of their dwelling in the branches of trees above a calm suburban street. Then the doings of young life are celebrated. This track is arguably the best of Brothertiger, it’s undeniably soothing due to the indiscordant harmony that makes for a totally rhythmic experience.
With two strong features on the last two songs, Brothertiger delivers something meaningful with this newest album of his. Repetitive in its themes, things might feel redundant at times, but that shouldn’t drag attention away from its regalness. Pronouncements that surely go a far distance are declared, and from its genesis to the climactic revelations by its end, this work is invaluable and entirely worthwhile.
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