Tinnarose ‘Self-Titled’

Words by Nick Hodgins

What year is it again? 2014, right? After listening to the psychedelic groove-laden jams of Tinnarose’s self-titled debut album, it might be difficult to drag yourself back into the present.

The record kicks off with a simple drum beat accompanied by bright guitars, soon followed by upbeat vocals over added synth chords. The opening track, “When You’re Gone”, begs to be grooved along to. As it comes to a close, you may think you have the album figured out, but you would be wrong—this isn’t your average sixties or seventies-inspired rock album.

Hailing from Austin, TX, Tinnarose refuse to get comfortable throughout the nine-track, 41-minute record. It’s safe to say that no two tracks are alike. A major part of the beauty within this album stems from the dual vocals of Devon McDermott’s delicate singing style contrasted by Seth Sherman’s lower-pitched range.

But it isn’t merely the vocals that make this album unique. What began as a backing band to Sherman’s solo work would quickly evolve into music much more deserving than simply “Sherman’s backing band,” and thus Tinnarose was born. The band consists of the aforementioned Sherman and McDermott, along with guitarist Morris Ramos, Drew Schlegel on bass, drummer Mark Henne and keyboardist Andy Bianculli.

It’s evident that the musicians in this band are familiar with their instruments. Individually, each part is impressive, but together they really find ways to explore new boundaries. Every chord, bass note, riff and wah-wah sound on this album sounds carefully placed, while still managing to maintain a whimsical and carefree essence.

The album was recorded to two-inch tape on a horse farm in Texas and mixed by recording engineer Stuart Sikes, who engineered Modest Mouse’s Good News for People Who Love Bad News and The White Stripes’ White Blood Cells, among others.

Tinnarose will be making their way to NYC this November, where they will be playing a gig at The Cake Shop.