If you ever need a score to accompany a zombie apocalypse, or to navigate your way out of a haunted house, Tu Fawning have created the perfect snarling, melodramatic music to accompany your escape.
If you ever need a score to accompany a zombie apocalypse, or to navigate your way out of a haunted house, Tu Fawning have created the perfect snarling, melodramatic music to accompany your escape.
Tu Fawning are a genre-breaking bunch. Over the years they’ve been awkwardly crammed into, and squeezed out of every genre possible. Their first album Hearts on Hold was our introduction to a gothic blend of mystery and dark folk, and in their second album A Monument they’ve flown far from potential pigeon holes, gorging on dramatic sounds and melodramatic tones. You can almost hear the rule book rip.
Opener Anchor is heavy with battle-marching drum beats and shimmering synth, and rich in a drama the likes of which flower girl Bat for Lashes would be envy of. Singer Corrina Repp’s deep tones and disturbing dark lyrics creep in and the track creates an overwhelming roar of percussion before slamming to a deadening halt.
Kitsch horror film rhythms and grimy beats are plentiful in the aptly named Blood Stains; full of clattering inexplicable noises and ghostly echoing harmonies. Tu Fawning toy with organ chords in a minor key; similar to the early sounds of The Horrors without collapsing into chaos.
Build a Great Cliff is a dramatic collection of sounds, as bombastic horns blare over a fuzz of guitar, while a surging male choir battles with delicate lyrics and high notes. Give this Portland band a drum and they’ll whip up A Monument, percussion is the power behind this album and its impact is clear on the moody and theatrical Skin and Bone.
Tu Fawning have a knack for conjuring twisted tales and haunting images through their music. Their seven minute finale; Bones is coated in jungle rhythms and South American riffs before scaling the shadows with sinister piano chords and wailing guitar patterns. Repp’s powerful but angelic vocals create tranquillity in the conflict of musical styles.
If you ever need a score to accompany a zombie apocalypse, or to navigate your way out of a haunted house, Tu Fawning have created the perfect snarling, melodramatic music to accompany your escape. Best keep A Monument handy, just in case of any otherworldly emergencies…