Tiara
‘Titletron’
Grand Theft Autumn Records
BUY ON AMAZON: Tiara – Titletron
Tiara plays soft guitar pop-rock with moments of semi-crunch excitement. With popping drums and a mix of up to three electric and acoustic guitars, the textures make interesting tread for the melodic, yawning vocals. Titletron is opened with “Extended Forecast”, a muffled weather report accompanied by the guitars that will define the album. “Wish You Away” cuts through with a relaxed Spanish guitar feel into a strong chorus, begging a second listen from the start. “The New Hero” is a step down in intensity, and begins with the hook from “Summer Breeze” by Seals & Crofts, which annoyingly never returns. “Velveteen Rabbit” returns some of the vibe of “Wish You Away” and features tambourines, light keyboard, and guitars of glistening fuzz. The second half of the album suggests scenery: “Waiting On Blue Skies” is drawn out, just like an overcast day with scattered showers. “What We’ve Become” is welcoming and refreshing, like going to the malt shop to forget your problems. “Nowhere Slow” trails off into the dark, without intention of coming back. This is a pleasing album, covering a great deal of territory. The progression from immediately recognizable songs to the more laid-back couch epics works to define the direction of the album, but more of the preceding would be welcome.
