Album Review: Sharkmuffin Play For Fun Nerds In “Tsuki”
How do I put this simply? Sharkmuffin’s Tsuki sounds SO COOL! I know that is a “cheesy” even cheap way to describe a record, but how do I elaborate, in its 15 tracks, the album’s classic definition of “badassery”. With swinging chords and the chopped vocals of Tarra Thiessen, I feel like my mind has been steam-rolled by a classic Chevy Impala. If ever there was an album that promoted youthful fun and a revolution against all personal haters; it is Tsuki.
I knew I was going to like Tsuki from its “Grandmother” intro with a kind grandma saying “Don’t worry about s**t! Just go and have a fun time!”. With that simple, yet glorious introduction, Sharkmuffin sets up that this album is going to be a raucous resonating with classic 80’s films where the nerd got their revenge. For Sharkmuffin, nerds are interchangeable terms with freaks, outcasts, and aliens. It is a label for all those who are too bright to be boxed into dark corners, and too smart to not see it happening. Tracks like “Stacey”, “Jury Duty”, and “Leather Gloves” have stringed melodies that sound like they were born from white noise and sonic-booms. If someone told me their instrumentals were inspired by fiery crashes, I would believe it and appreciate the creative, random inspiration. Moreover, that crashing arrangements meld and exemplify Tsuki’s theme of when an outcast stands up for her or himself because, in some ways, you need to crash, in order to rise. Songs like “Puppy Love”, “Factory”, and “Sweet Tea” have a surrender mindset. They promote, in essence, giving into relationships or situations for what they can give you now. Of course, such a message is a parent’s nightmare, while it is a twenty-something/ teen’s mantra. With tomorrow looking bleaker, particularly in terms of how others will treat you, letting yourself have fun and giving yourself permission to be “nerdy” sounds like an excellent, needed idea. Moreover, Lead vocalist Tarra Thiessen has a voice the spells mischief into each word.
Whether she appears like vocal steam on ” Plate”, rising and fogging through synths, or screeches and scratches her vocal chords as if they were trapped in “Ghost Beads”, Thiessen embodies punk-pop. I have always said punk is the genre made for the outcast, and though Sharkmuffin have their infusions of psychedelic or pop, their punkish flare is evident because of Thiessen’s vocals. When she sings, it is as if she is echoing her vocals from the pits of her soul. I say “pits” because each song inferences to the many darknesses we can carry or face when we live life like an outsider but, at least, are readying to live. Moreover, most songs are barely go past two minutes, which makes songs like “Atama” or “Too Much Fun” appear like “lollipop” tracks: you suck on their sound to reach their sugary center and then move on. Such brief bursts of energy are welcomed, which is why you should Sharkmuffin’s Tsuki on May by Clicking Here.
