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Tigers Jaw

Two Worlds

Written by: PP on 15/01/2011 00:52:09

Tigers Jaw are one of the most important bands in the last five years. I say that even though the band hasn't acquired mainstream publicity and is still, on their sophomore album "Two Worlds", known by only those who really pay attention: the people who don't treat music as a commodity, but as an art form. You can argue to length how Tigers Jaw aren't the most original band out there, but even the critics must agree: Tigers Jaw is one of the most honest, heartfelt bands out there right now. Vocalist McIlwee and Walsh together create a sense of yearning and nostalgia together, an odd sense of familiarity with their material that makes the listener feel at home, regardless of genre affiliation. Their emotional whines are angst-free, yet founded in pure emotion, the reason why so many music fans are falling head over heels for anything Tigers Jaw, be it a split, EP or a new full length. They are one of the only bands I've seen where numerous posts across the internet are claiming things like "I don't think I could ever be with a girl/boy who wouldn't share the same love for Tigers Jaw as I do".

That really shows how people are connecting with Tigers Jaw material. It's not a superficial "I like your music" sort of connection, but an extremely strong one, one that shapes lives, affects how people view the music scene in general, leaves people dumbfounded over just how much they can love a piece of music. Those of you who have listened to their debut album know exactly what I mean.

"Two Worlds" is largely a continuation of their latest output (the 7", split EPs), moving further towards original emo territory, with intensely emotional vocal delivery and simple instrumentation as opposed to some of the quirky tempo-shifts and faster tempo they had in places on their debut. It's both a positive and a negative aspect simultaneously. It allows McIlwee/Walsh combo to really delve into their emotional vocal dynamics, but on the other hand, it removes the loud/quiet dynamics of songs like "I Saw Water", where you could almost taste the emotion and passion in the vocal/instrumental interplay. The same effect does manifest on a number of tracks on "Two Worlds" as well, but not to the same extent. The songs are great, but lack the same intense emotional connection you had on both their debut and "Spirit Desire". A song like "Coil/Recoil" has it, and "Smile" does as well to an extent, and so does the title-track from the record.

So where's the problem? It could be in the massive expectations that overwhelm their ability. "Two Worlds" is a great album, but it leaves the fan yearning for more, eager to hear those intense moments which bring back-chills and eye-watering moments during active-listening sessions. The songs are amazing - don't get me wrong - but they feel somehow more anonymous than before, while at the same time sounding exactly like Tigers Jaw songs. Paradox, sure, but it's extremely difficult to describe otherwise.

Anyway, these are just random ramblings of an intense Tigers Jaw fan who notices small details like these just because he has exhausted their current output to unhealthy doses. Anyone not familiar with Tigers Jaw can start with "Two Worlds" and join the cult of fans who would take a bullet for this band.

Download: Coil/Recoil, Lets Go/Trashed Floors
For the fans of: The Get Up Kids, Everyone Everywhere, Braid, Balance & Composure
Listen: Myspace

Release date 23.11.2010
Run For Cover Records