“I feel when I kneel to the power of my past.“
This year seems to be one of change and discovery for Suffolk quartet Tropic Gold with the release of their second EP What A Wonderful Experience and the news coming, back in July, that they had signed to UNFD.
Whilst formed in 2019, they have spent the subsequent time largely developing their sound and format behind closed doors in a bespoke, self-built multi-media studio. This time was certainly well-spent, with the results being on display for all to see here. There are hooks aplenty and moody keys/electronics littered throughout which keep the more ‘eclectic’ moments thoroughly accessible.
Marking their first release after signing with UNFD, single “Adrenaline” kicks things off. Whilst I can’t say this or its successor “Maniac” really ‘go’ anywhere, they are both well put together tracks that are reminiscent of Trash Boat’s album Don’t You Feel Amazing?, with distortion used sympathetically so as not to take away from other elements. The latter of the two incorporates a tribal drum riff, from George Southernwood, to create gradient as well as some heavy vocals to the end which do a lot to keep some intrigue.
I will hold my hands up and be the first to admit that the first two tracks of this record did not give me the excitement I was hoping for, but I am never too proud to eat my own words and in this instance I will happily do so. “Damn(ed)” and “Feel Okay” (track five) are the two most accessible tracks in the collection. They’re anthemic, well-constructed and thoroughly enjoyable, with electro/house vibes, and vocals akin to Noah Sebastian of Bad Omens. Whilst there is nothing ground-breaking here it is incredibly difficult to find anything to criticise as they are so well formulated. “Feel Okay” also requires a big nod to guitarist and programmer Joshua Lee who handled production and recording duties on What A Wonderful Experience. The layering of clean and heavy vocals is quite honestly masterful. It’s not uncommon that when this technique is used one or other of the layers disappears or the two blend and you lose the distinction. Neither is the case here. Both are crisp and clear and add some serious weight into the fold.
“Get Over It” is a genre blending piece of brilliance. In parts it wouldn’t be out of place in a DJ set, pulling on elements from electronica, pop, metal and house across the board. Whilst this can risk becoming a melting pot, Tropic Gold have managed to pull it off. Never once does anything sound out of place, gratuitous or grasping. It’s been thought out to a ‘T’ and is wonderfully clean and cohesive. Jacob Parris takes the opportunity here to explore his vocal range further, displaying some gorgeous vibrato when he reaches the higher end.
A skill he carries through to the closer “Don’t Take This To Heart (DTTTH)“, where comparisons could be drawn with Nothing But Thieves front man Conor Mason. It takes a totally different direction to the rest of the EP with a rolling bassline from Bradley Lawrence, and a beautiful melody at the fore, comparable to the softer tracks from Don Broco’s Amazing Things. It finishes the collection on a high.
If you’re a poet at heart What A Wonderful Experience may not quite hit the spot. Lyrically it is poignant, and it certainly gets the message across, but when many artists in alternative genres currently have so much strength lyrically, it does fall a little short. However, that would be my biggest criticism of the record. Having only formed in 2019 it is utterly commendable and a testament to the hard work and talent of Tropic Gold that they’ve created such a fantastic body of work and have left me excited for more. Whilst the first two tracks may not have hit the mark immediately, what the quartet have done beyond any doubt is display their versatility and skill when it comes to song writing. When Tropic Gold truly find ‘their sound’ they will absolutely soar, add them to your list for next year.
7/10
What A Wonderful Experience is out on October 6th via UNFD.