The Tiger Club starts their latest album, Mephisto Island, with a sound that ties together Gilberto and Getz’ version of Girl From Ipanema with a little hint of the Squirrel Nut Zippers. The unity of lounge, psychedelic, and first-wave ska makes for an innovative and unique style to issue forth during the initial registers of Mephisto Island that will have listeners on the edges of their seats.
Showdown at Mescal Flats brings some sixties and early seventies country & western into the band’s desert-infused track, replete with a sizzling set of horns that provide the narrative for the track. The richness and complexity of each of The Tiger Club’s compositions on Mephisto Island make this into a must-listen. Entrance of the Tigers utilizes a walking bass style and a more blues set of trapping to great effect; this late album track keeps things light and airy to give listeners a boost. Refreshed, fans of The Tiger Club can move on to Order of the Seeing Eye, a fifties soul/rock composition that builds off of the work of performers like Little Richard and Wayne Shorter. The Tiger Club is able to conclude their Mephisto Island with a dramatic and epic track in Lair of Dr Mabuse. The track is able to capture the titular location perfectly, ensuring that the composition would feel right at home in Dr. No or other mid-sixties spy movies. Taken together, the 12 tracks on Mephisto Island provide listeners with a great introduction into this eclectic and passionate act.
Make it a point to visit the band’s website for samples of The Tiger Club’s music, tour dates, and further information about the act.
Top Tracks: Showdown at Mescal Flats, Entrance of the Tigers
Rating: 8.6/10
The Tiger Club Mephisto Island CD Review / 2014 Self / 12 Tracks / https://www.facebook.com/thetigerclubband / http://tigerclubband.com/
