Thomas Tantrum
Words by Simon Jablonski
Thomas Tantrum look and sound like they’re playing with toys. They still live with their parents too. But their songs display an unexpected maturity, rich in wit and diversity. Through a maze of dirty guitars they weave eccentric musical fits into chirpy pop tunes that engrave themselves in your lobes.
September heralded the release of their stylish debut album ‘Rage against the Tantrum’. It’s a colourful introduction dripping with whimsy and charm, which they describe as “a bit like playing red rover in a club instead of on the playground.” They know that what makes a good pop song is that you can whistle it. Dave, a guitar man, agrees. “There are definitely layers. Don’t be fooled by the pop sheen of some of the tracks. We’re always pulling in different directions rhythmically, tonally and structurally during the writing process so that no song is straightforward.”
The voice of Megan Thomas is an intriguing one. “I think that when I sing, it comes from the heart… which is half the battle” she muses. “There’s so many amazing singers out there who are technically astonishing but who fail to put much passion into the delivery of the lyrics.” Fluttering like a swan feather somewhere between Bowie and Regina Spektor, she adapts her tone to wrap around the song, subtly giving each phrase an extra layer of meaning and attitude. Its spritely playfulness makes your neck spasm.
Having their profile stretched considerably from touring with Glasvegas and being in Lilly Allen’s top friends in MySpace, 2009 looks like a rolling field of fecund earth for Thomas Tantrum. “Well we have some more dates with Glasvegas, then we are off to Japan with Cajun Dance Party which should be wicked.” Their mothers wouldn’t like it.
http://www.myspace.com/thomastantrum
Posted Fri, March 06, 2009
Comments on Thomas Tantrum
TT are sick live
Posted by: Kristen | 11/03/2009 at 02:38