The band from Europe known as Takoma
have released their latest LP, “Kerosene Belts.” The album has
been proudly published on the Hopetone Records independent music
label. Containing nine original tracks, the LP has an approximate
listening time of half an hour, making for a roundly comprehensive
introduction to this eclectic crew of music artists.
At various times Takoma have cited as
artistic influences Michael Hurley, Bob Dylan, Wilco, Daniel
Johnston, Woody Guthrie, Califone, and Graham Coxon. They can be
reasonably described as folk, bluegrass, blues, alternative country
and Americana music, and a careful ear can discern a few elements of
rock 'n' roll stirred in here and there. Their tone is cool, subdued
and lo-fi, even to the extent that their “Kerosene Belts” LP was
studio recorded live on an 8-track tape. The result is a raw and
refreshingly undecorated album which feels like Takoma reaching out
to shake the listener's hand.
“We wanted to get a very natural
sound on 'Kerosene Belts,'” the band writes. “That's why we did
it live in the studio on an 8-track reel-to-reel.”
This pared-down, bone-obvious approach
is the key to the Takoma sound, which permeates everything from their
songwriting to their performances. They do not sound as if they are
affecting a style so much as that this overall mode is who they are.
The themes described in their songs are likewise clear and
unadulterated.
They write of this, “There is no real
message to it, either, I suppose. A lot of troubled love, a lot of
time spent far from home, too.”
Their live show has been described as
having a “crunchy, tense and soulful” sound with “bitter blues
guitar riffs and unique vocal harmonies.” “Kerosene Belts” is
the most significant official release from Takoma since their 2013
record, “The Good Boy Sessions,” still available online for
listening and purchase. “Kerosene Belts” is their debut LP on an
official music label.
“Kerosene Belts” by Takoma is
available online worldwide. Get in early.
-S. McCauley
Lead Press Release Writer
www.MondoTunes.com
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