Artist: Tide
Label: CPZ Records
Released: 2007
Tide, I think the four young, talented and likeable guys no longer need much of an introduction, since in 2005 they made an incredible splash with their debut “Seven Days”, which even got a reissue. Three tracks stood out from the first album: “Release My Gun”, “Evolution” and “Brain Damage”. The guys shot videos for all three songs, and so the success story just kept rolling.
But the quartet didn’t take time to rest – and good on them. Over the summer of 2007 they recorded their second studio album, “Nothing to Lose”, in Amsterdam. This time production was handled by Peer Rave (Henry Rollins, Urban Dance Squad, Junkie XL) and MatthijsVan der Speck (Lenny Kravitz’s former guitarist, who has also worked with Lauryn Hill and Craig Ross).
This gorgeous little record has eleven songs, one of which, “Kick Out the Jams”, is a great cover of the MC5 track. The album hits a lot less hard than the debut, which you can read the review of HERE, but this magnificent record is far more melodic, polished and layered.
The album’s look says a lot too, and sometimes it’s even the main reason you buy a CD when you don’t know the artist at all. No holding back and no mercy here either: the team really delivered, because the outer design of the album is very delicate. It feels like the album is begging you to buy it, without any excessive or needless kitsch; thanks to its colors and originality, the CD catches the eye all by itself.
After the very first listen I was gripped by a proper case of Tide-mania, even though at first the album maybe didn’t strike me as being as good as its predecessor. But after a few more spins it literally hooks you, especially considering Slovenian albums and the state of music on our home turf.
The album kicks off with full force on “No place left to go”, with that familiar guitar sound that’s really something only Tide have. And when the listener hears the rhythm section kick in, they’re literally left speechless. Truly polished melodicity and the kind of honest rock we all crave, with the production just the cherry on top. I reckon our bands will need quite a while to get to where Tide are right now.
Song after song wins the listener over, and each one surprises in its own way. On top of that, the guys wrote the lyrics in English again. We all know what a disaster that can be with our artists, but not with Tide, since Kevin sings in English beautifully without any real trouble, and his voice is also very distinctive and recognizable from a mile away.
The third track, “Waiting for the rain”, is also the first single off the new record. I first heard it on 24ur.com (sadly the sound quality there was below par, it sounded like the album was recorded at home with no mastering, you can still listen to the song HERE), so I was all the more surprised when I heard the real, authentic sound of this gorgeous ballad. The guitar solo deserves a mention too: it isn’t overly demanding, but it fits the song perfectly.
Every single song is tightly connected to the others, and it feels like Tide have totally grown up in two years. They still want to play real rock for the crowd, but this time in a more polished and melodic version. It’s a real treat for connoisseurs of good rock, they’ll surely repeat their success, and this time I hope the band also shows what they’re made of abroad.
The guys have definitely progressed a lot and taken an important step for Slovenian music. Maybe listeners of the first album won’t agree with me, since this album really is a lot calmer, but the guys made of this album exactly what every musician wants.
If you forced me to pick just 3 tracks from the album that win me over the most, it would be a really tough job, because every single song has its own charm! Still, I’ll single out “No place left to go”, “Something else” and “The urge”, and I think the last one especially will do well, if nowhere else then definitely live!
The cover of “Kick out the Jams” is great too. You can watch the original version HERE, and then listen to the modern, original and tireless Tide, and you’ll be surprised all over again.
11 great, varied, melodic, polished and layered songs are more than enough reason to drive to the nearest record store right now and track down this gorgeous album. You definitely won’t regret it. The only people who might be angry are your neighbors, because the album will get you hooked and you’ll be playing it every day! The guys could in fact lose a lot (even though they confidently named the album “Nothing to Lose”), but that surely won’t happen, not with this album.
And one more thing: we can be proud to have Tide, a band that isn’t yet another run-of-the-mill act copying Siddharta.
Lineup
Kevin Koradin (vocals, guitar)
Peter Kokotec (guitar)
Gregor Jakac (drums)
Matej Batelič (bass guitar)
Production
Peer Rave & MatthijsVan der Speck
Tracklist
01. No place left to go (3:36)
02. Like it slow (3:01)
03. Waiting for the rain (4:23)
04. Fade away (3:32)
05. Shooting straight (4:11)
06. Something else (3:22)
07. Following (3:32)
08. The urge (4:19)
09. Living it all behind (2:39)
10. Kick out the jams (2:45)
11. Fair enough (3:40)
