Title: Cold Wave
Artist: Tigerberry
Release Date: 2015 Feb 21
Genre: Alternative / Synth Pop
License: CC BY-NC-SA
Label: Southern City’s Lab
Introduction
Tigerberry: Cold Wave is a release that was very unlikely to come together. The group had many internal struggles and scandals in 2014, and it didn’t seem like they were going to make it into 2015. But, instead of giving in to the problems, but Vladimir decided to go back into the studio and work on coming up with the type of sound that the band had been unable to produce in their live shows. With new producer and collaborators the result has been Cold Wave.
Tigerberry: Cold Wave
Something of a cross between New Order, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails is the first thing that I think of when listening to this release. This is a dark, emo-ish, and overly dramatic release that shows this is an artist that was really inspired by the aforementioned acts in writing and producing their work.
For a group that suffered the loss of two members, and a rocky time during the last year, this release doesn’t seem to show too many markings of a group that is uncertain of itself. Each track on this release is solid. Complete with hooks and sound textures that fit the elements and subject matter of each of the songs extremely well.
Its also quite notable that none of these songs follow a single formula for the song writing. You aren’t going to hear something that is just a copy of NiN or New Order. Instead each track is carefully constructed to stand by itself. And in fact that is how this release came together: one track at a time.
This release also includes remixes of several tracks by Haunt and Gnoth Seauton. Personally, I like two of the remixes quite a bit, but I could do without the re-working of ‘Break The Lies”. The vocals on the Gnoth Seauton remix sound odd, like they are in a strange semi-key, which makes the whole thing sound somewhat off.
Conclusion
After what was a rocky 2014 for Tigerberry, including the loss of two members of the band, they have managed to turn things around by collaborating with other artists in producing Cold Wave. Overall this feels like a throwback to the late 90’s or 2000’s, with influences of New Order and NiN. But it is still a very strong release with many excellent tracks. The only track I found to be sub-par was the remix of Break The Lies… But the remaining seven tracks are excellent listening.
Tigerberry: Cold Wave
Name Your Price
7.5
Thanks for pointing me to this release! Good solid stuff and really takes me back but still sounds current maybe due to production techniques (?) Regardless – I really like this and will seek out more from Tigerberry.
True that it doesn’t sound dated, it does have a fresh sound to it. Possibly part of Tigerberry’s interpretation / modernizing the ideas that they liked from other groups.