The Tang

REVIEW: The Tang - I'll Try Harder Next Time

January 4, 2018

One thing that immediately sticks out to me about indie-folk/power-pop band The Tang's I'll Try Harder Next Time EP is the presence of the influence of Elephant 6, opening track Deep Space Nine would fit comfortably on any Elf Power or Of Montreal record, it employs elements of dreampop and surfrock, creating a wholely unique sound in the process.



The Tang wastes no time on things it cant control, songs are underproduced but properly mixed, giving a rough aesthetic to the dreamy, ethereal instrumentation. The Tang smartly handles the balance of recording stadium pop ballads on a shoe-string budget, taking direct cues from influences like Big Star or Mac DeMarco.



Possibly the greatest thing about I'll Try Harder Next Time is the array of sounds present, as drummer Michael O'Leary told me "the sounds of this EP penned by singer-songwriter Jesse Tenn range from reverb heavy lo-fi bangers to romantic yet heartbreaking dream pop melodies." and nothing could be more true. All of its different pieces are held together in a jigsaw fashion by creative director and lead Jesse Tenn, who's Robert Schneider-esque pop sensibilities favor mathematical precision and experimentation over safety and familiarity.



The most impressive part of this EP is that it still maintains its pop appeal, even when so packed full of bells and whistles you'd think that the album was ready to burst at the seams. And that's a testament to The Tang's raw talent.



8.5/10



Listen here: https://ilovetang.bandcamp.com/album/ill-try-harder-next-time - Your Opinion Is Wrong

Listen to “Driven (I’m Not)” off of their debut EP here. Their choppily recorded 6-track garage inspired I’ll Try Harder Next Time was released in the early spring of 2017, and it encapsulates the band’s general range and style nicely.

The Tang is an indie pop Toronto five-piece fronted by the talented Jesse Tenn, who puts as much work and consideration into his lyrics and instrumentation as he does behind-the-scenes. Subtracting familiarity for experimentation, and never taking themselves too seriously in the studio or on the stage, the Tang precisely highlights the jangle pop sensibilities brought into the limelight by fellow pop-rocker and raucous presence, Mac DeMarco. Drawing further inspiration from Britain’s Slowdive, and Toronto’s own dream pop sensations, Alvvays, Tenn and the gang are quickly becoming a local favourite of the genre – they have accumulated over 4500 hits on Soundcloud and Bandcamp since mid-September, and they were a page one best seller on Bandcamp’s dream pop, indie rock, and jangle pop releases in the city.

With their impeccable passion and drive for fun, the Tang have no plans on slowing their accumulated and inspired momentum heading into 2018. A full-length LP is in the works for release later this year as the guys continue to tour and grow their engaging and inclusive fan-base. Follow them on Instagram for all of their updates.

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Written by Cameron Dunn

Photo Cred: The Tang (Bandcamp) - Relight Magazine

the Tang’s ‘Someone Else’ is the single of of their debut EP ‘I’ll Try Harder Next Time’. ‘Someone Else’ and the rest of the EP’s singles represent, in our minds, the proper indie garage-pop-dream-bedroom-pop soliloquies we come to love and support. The un-refined production of the songs, just help the atmosphere of such dreamy and nostalgic moods of the song (and of the EP).

The narration is very common. However, the core attitude of a band isn’t readily replicated. This is where The Tang lives and survives to exel another day.

“For better or worse this is as much of a garage sounding musical project as we can possibly get and I hope you enjoy the authenticity and the passionate joy we’ve put into bringing our song and music into a digital format.”

And should survive and maybe even thrive, for genuine and honest recollections of thoughts are felt easily. With droopy, sympathetic and self endulging lyrics – the tragedy (or in many cases ‘potential tragedies’) are Not averted in the mind’s eye.

The tankerous flat and miss-tuned notes just perpetuates the songs, sometimes, make them even more delectable. It’s a double edged sword, but hey – gotta do YOU, right?

Right.

No one else can take that away, for sure.

The Tang consists of: Jesse Tenn (Vocals, Guitar), Teddy Macauley (Guitar), Michael O’Leary (Drums/Percussion, Guitar), Raven McBride (Bass Guitar), Neil Tupil (Piano/Keyboard).

The EP is available [HERE] @ iTunes.

Keep on keepin’!

We dig.

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Bandcamp - Comeherefloyd

Interesting lo-fi pop group The Tang have a very unique thing goin’ on. It sounds like 60’s pop drenched in shoegaze. Their latest EP “I’ll Try Harder Next Time” opens with a jangly, fun tune called “Deep Space Nine” which sort of takes you on a journey through space…but only if space had sunny afternoons with beautiful green grass. Maybe it does…I have never been there. If you’re into any of the psych influenced tunes that are popular these days then have some Tang. – Kris Gies - The Deli Magazine (Toronto)