Unpredictable but Tasty
Tu Fawning are hard to get a handle on - varied is probably the word or perhaps unpredictable. Their sound is certainly warm and muzzy, like a veil of gauze has been placed over the speakers before you listen, softening the sound. They use some interesting instrumentation along with the expected guitars and drums; old 80s synths and odd samples are used, also in the recording process this holds true with old or partially working equipment (tape recorders and other bits and pieces) used which gives the whole album an interesting atmosphere.
Vocally there is much going on - distant shouts, group harmonies and the constant husky vocal of Corrina Repp (slightly reminiscent of Florence Welch but softer, without the tendency to harsh shouting). Opening track Anchor sets the tone; melodic with a strong vocal line and percussion but the production sound is warm, drifting and full of echoes like its been recorded in a huge open space - you can almost picture dust motes spiralling through a stream of sunlight in a room where all the furniture is covered with dust sheets as this song blows in through an open window.
One of the most engaging things about this record is that no two tracks are the same - sure there is that odd, slightly dark atmosphere throughout and there is a definable 'Tu Fawning' sound but they don't sit still for a second. There is something of a 90s indie rock vibe at times on Wager the guitars fuzz with distortion and again the melody sweeps you away, weighty drums and soaring vocals make it a real corker. In contrast A Pose For No One is dramatic and minimal, restrained, deliberate vocals open out into group harmonies and strings that make your skin prickle and Build A Great Cliff jumps from feeling like one of Morricone's Spaghetti Western soundtracks to employing drum and bass style drums and repeating guitar riffs.
You may not know what's coming next but you can be sure it's always going to be something good. Mesmerising stuff.