Tillerman – Hear Angels Cry (2023)
Tillerman’s guitarist Shaun Mallia shared that the band is “the sum of our parts, our backgrounds, beliefs and of our parents’ record collections” – a succinct description of many artists nowadays. Fed on a diet of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac, the UK-based five-piece have a sound that is eclectic, infectious and unique. Described as “ear-candy for fans of The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac or The Beatles” (Turtle Tempo), the lads have a strong vintage sound but a modern-day flair adds some edge to their music. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Hear Angels Cry’.
Following their single ‘Rainbow’ (released in 2021), ‘Hear Angels Cry’ is the sonic revival of Tillerman. Unlike ‘Rainbow’ which has a high-paced, upbeat vibe, the group adopt a more sombre tone in ‘Hear Angels Cry’. This may be as an expression of the poignant themes or just something new for the band, either way, it is an evolution from previous material. The guitars blend elegantly with drums creating an arrangement with nostalgic flair; however, as is mentioned, a modern edge is added to the tone of Tame Impala. Potentially falling into the realm of indie-rock, but with strong hints of The Beatles’ classic jangle-pop, ‘Hear Angels Cry’ is something fresh but familiar.
While the melody certainly holds its own with the power-pop thread stabbed by Jimi Hendrix-style guitars, it is the message that sticks with me. The band explain that ‘Hear Angels Cry’ is inspired by the “…constant barrage of bad news and events on the TV…the far left, the extreme right, the public’s love of money and fame. Jon and Tom are very spiritual, they have a Christian faith…you can hear some of that influence in the lyrics – the state of the world now and what does God think of it.”
Sincere, sentimental, introspective and honest, Tillerman astounds me with another outstanding single in ‘Hear Angels Cry’.
For more from Tillerman, check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered on Musosoup #sustainablecurator
