Tigers Jaw are an indie rock band with heavy emo influences based out of Pennsylvania. Think early Weezer meets The Get Up Kids. Having already released two LPs, an EP, and a split with Balance and Composure, Two Worlds, their newest release on Run For Cover Records, finds them maturing their sound and producing one of the best releases of the year.
Tigers Jaw have two distinct sounds that they weave in and out of magnificently. One is the upbeat, guitar driven indie rock that makes you tap your toes and sing-along, like in “Smile” and “Static”. The other is a more soft, melancholic sound, found on tracks like “I Saw the Wolf”. And sometimes they mix the two together in one song, like in “Test Pattern”. The songs here are not nearly as catchy as on their self-titled full length debut, but the songwriting here is markedly improved. The guitarists play together, rather than one playing melody and one playing rhythm. The riffs bounce off of one another, and the songs flow incredibly. The keyboards tracks are still subtle, and contribute greatly to their overall sound (Get Up Kids anyone?). It’s hard to pick out a low point, or even a high point, as the record is consistent from start to finish. From a musical standpoint, everything from the musicianship to the production quality is extraordinary. Tigers Jaw really are on top of their game here.
The vocals are just as solid as ever, and are easily my favorite aspect of this band. The lead vocalist is raw and emotional, and the other members of the band harmonize with him magnificently. Brianna Collins’ vocals in particular make the songs sound spectacular, and add a unique quality that sets the band apart from the crowd. Lyrically, this record is more bitter and less hopeful than its predecessor. Though it may sound like it at times, this definitely isn’t a feel-good album. The songs are highly relatable, and pluck your heartstrings from time to time, a la Saves the Day. This is definitely an Autumn record, so it’s unfortunate that it has come out so close to winter. I definitely look forward to throwing this disc on come October next year, and walking through the fallen leaves reflecting on past relationships as well as what the future holds.
While Two Worlds doesn’t have any tracks as remarkable as “The Sun” from their S/T album, as a whole it is incredible, and easily one of the better releases to come out in 2010. I look forward to what the future holds for Tigers Jaw. Consider me a huge fan.
