Tulsa, named after a book of photography and not the Oklahoma city, just put out their second EP entitled I was Submerged on the excellent Park The Van record label. I had picked up their first EP earlier this year and, although it was good, I wasn’t particularly blown away. After a few weeks it drifted out of the rotation.
I Was Submerged was different. It struck me immediately and I can’t stop listening to it. I can’t tell enough of my friends about it. I love discs like that, where you feel its your obligation to let people know about it. I called Oz on my way to a business trip and demanded that he download immediately.
I Was Submerged is a seven song collection that leaves me wanting more after each listen. Let’s get the obvious My Morning Jacket comparisons out of the way first. The reverb that lead singer Carter Tanton utilizes is similar to that of Jim James, but to say that this Boston four-piece is a MMJ clone would be insulting to them.
Tanton leads the band on a release that is full of catchy hooks, transitions and layers that make all seven songs a treat and fill the album with surprises. Tulsa really shines on “#2,” a song that has some phenomenal, versatile guitar work. At some points you’ll hear jangly indie-pop and at others it cooks with the intensity of a Built To Spill jam. Tanton burns with rage as he delivers the chorus “You wanna know, know, if he wants you!”
When I listen to “Mass,” the 3rd track of the EP, all I can think is that this tune would have fit perfectly in the movie Singles. Can’t explain it one bit. These guys aren’t from Seattle, they’re not grunge, but the lyrics, the hook and chorus all remind me of the defining movie soundtrack of my younger self.
This is a tremendous step forward for Tulsa. Other than some local gigs there’s no real tour on the horizon. Let’s hope they remedy that soon.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
they just came back from a tour….
…and they’re heading out again in November-mostly to the midwest.
{ 2 trackbacks }