Los Angeles – Brooklyn natives Jesse Cohen and Eric Emm make up the indie-electronic duo Tanlines. In 2012, the band released their debut LP, Mixed Emotions (via True Panther) after a long stretch of singles and EPs. The influences included electro-pop, indie-pop, dance, and world music. It was a collection of vivacious sounding tracks with multi-instrumentalist Cohen at the helm and singer/guitarist Emm’s sprightly vocals throughout. The twosome, with the help of both !!!’s Patrick Forda and Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor co-producing, are back with their much anticipated sophomore release, Highlights. There is something naturally genial about Highlights, which coincidentally is an album filled with highlights. It encompasses an ethereal sonic palette from start to finish as well as being filled with passion and ebullience. Cohen and Emm often take the sunny, upbeat route, but there are times here where a deep seriousness radiates. The sonic foundation of Highlights could be considered dance-pop, however the approach Tanlines takes isn’t anything derivative. Their wildly imaginative approach makes this record a worthy successor to Mixed Emotions.
The opening track, “Pieces” promptly demonstrates Tanlines’ evolved sound. The new track occupies a warm place. While the heftier contribution of guitars is more noticeable than their previous outing, soothing snyths inhabit the scene as well. Tanlines turn toward many different genres in order to put together a wholly original, well-crafted record. “Slipping Away” is composed of summery beats along with pensive vocals. On a musical forefront, the track is springy, but lyrically it dives into deeper terrain. The notions that love, relationships, and one’s own self are all subject to change are sprawled out on Highlights. Despite the ideas behind the abovementioned themes, Tanlines express more confidence now than ever before. The stellar tracks continue on with “Palace.” It’s an emotionally driven tune that is satisfying to the mind and soul. “Two Thousand Miles” is a seductively dreamy endeavor. It starts off with a heavy snyth line that would fit right in at a club. However, when Emm’s vocals come into play the dynamic rapidly changes into a meditative soundscape. It’s the group’s most audacious tune and provides the listener with the perception that Tanlines is a multifaceted band.
“Invisible Ways” showcases the bands penchant for guitars on their second release. It’s a straightforward approach yet there’s no compromising their inventive abilities. “Running Still” is another stunner from Tanlines. The song covers many genres in just a four-minute span. Tanlines have managed to produce a captivating piece of music that blends different sounds into something cohesively beautiful. It’s not just the infectious beats that are catchy, but it’s Emm’s tantalizing vocals too. You can’t ignore how Tanlines have grown. “Thinking” proves Tanlines have some tricks up their sleeves not only in the snyths department, but also with their intricate guitar work. Highlights exhibits remarkable depth as every track appears interconnected to the next. However, each tune offers something distinctively special as a stand-alone composition. “Darling Dreamer” is a cavernous song that pushes Tanlines to new heights. Emm’s vocals feel weathered here, more sorrowful than ever.
Every song takes the listener on an imaginative journey. While their debut record Mixed Emotions was sunnier in tone, Highlights is a much more accomplished piece of work. The vivid colors and emotions run along on a much deeper course here positioning Highlights as a record worth investing in no matter where one’s musical taste lies.
Check out Tanline’s Facebook page for more information on their upcoming US tour.
Sean Kayden
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