tzu - Snarling At Strangers (Album)
» TZU are back! - May 13, 2008
» TZU - Annandale Hotel, The, NSW - July 11, 2008
» TZU - Republic Bar and Cafe, Tas - July 6, 2008
TZU’s second album, Smiling at Strangers has managed to break through the fog of overblown, international acts that litter the scene, to achieve a sort of success that most Australian hip hop acts can only dream of. With high rotation air play on Triple J and extensive touring, it’s safe to say that these guys are living the dream. Released earlier this year, the album is a mixed bag of hip hop rhymes and pop moments all tied up in a rock star wet dream.
Songs such as 'She Gets Up' and 'Coming Round' all reference the funk bible and have an anthem-like quality. It’s not surprising that these are the tracks that have already been burning up the radio airwaves. But it’s the rap throughout that provides a weak distraction from the stronger funk and soul choruses of many of the more upbeat offerings.
The lyrics are emotionally charged and often topical but it’s the delivery that is just not up to scratch, and with the exposure that we have of artists from abroad, it really has to be. It’s an unfortunate truth for any hip hop group, however not all hope is lost- the more pop-infused tracks like 'Logical' and 'In Front of Me' are where TZU are at their strongest. The melodies are bitter sweet yet still evoke a party atmosphere. 'Back to Front' has a slightly harder edge and uses it’s imported horn section to it’s advantage, reminiscent of Beastie Boys Check Your Head era.
As a live act, TZU are an energetic outfit- one of the biggest challenges for any musician, irrespective of their persuasion, is translating this live energy into a recorded moment. This is by far, the album’s biggest limitation-its lack of atmosphere. The album is a huge departure from their 2004 breakthrough Position Correction and perhaps in the process of change and bringing in live musicians, they actually lost the live feel? The newly re-released version of the album, dubbed Snarling at Strangers, is a limited edition double disc complete with film clips, lush packaging and a poster. (What are these guys compensating for?)And, funnily enough, it is here just in time to catch the stocking-stuffer-consumer-hell that is Christmas- a questionable move.
The thing that is frustrating about Snarling/Smiling at Strangers is that it’s an incredibly well-intentioned but ultimately safe offering from the group. And ‘safe’ is not where you want to be, especially in the hip hop world. You get a sense that these guys are on the right track, but just haven’t reached their destination yet. It will be interesting to see whether TZU can capitalize on their success and move towards a more challenging sound, or end up trying to reproduce what we’ve already heard.
C’mon guys, you can do it.
Jean.
