[Review] The Tontons: "Make Out King and Other Stories of Love"
Hailing from Houston, groovy foursome The Tontons put themselves on the national radar with their brand new, soulful album The Make Out King and Other Stories of Love. Out officially today, the album has been streaming for the past couple weeks, inviting listeners to experience the buzz of The Tontons magnetic record before they can get their hands on a copy.
The band (singer Asli Omar, bassist Tom Nguyen, drummer Justin Martinez and guitarist Adam Martinez) have been together for the long haul, pumping out their seductive rock sound to everyone who would give them a chance. The Tontons don't fit into any one genre, but instead spread themselves over an array of sounds leaving you reeling and wondering how you are going to describe them to your friends.
"Our song is as random as our look. Like, you look at us and people usually don’t know what to expect or what we’re going to sound like, I think we like to keep people on their toes," Omar said during an interview with Ruby Hornet's own Jake Krez at Fun Fun Fun Fest 2013.
Make Out King comes out of the gate with the up-beat single "Magic Hour," which I believe is the best way to start off the album. This song is currently my favorite. It's surfer rock vibe eases you into the song only to blow you away with Omar's powerful, thick vocals. Her voice has a sultry rawness that reminds me of Amy Winehouse at times, mixed with a belty, strong sound of Genevieve Shatz from Chicago outfit Company of Thieves. Weird match up, I know, but oh so good.
The album plays a bit of tug-o-war between a fresh pop-rock sound and steamy, laid back, blues-y R&B ballads like "Kidd Cemetery." This song really stuck out to me because of it's sexy, cosmic sound and revealing lyrics. Omar sings "I hurt, you hurt, but it's all in fun." The album seems to be extremely personal, allowing listeners to envelop themselves in the stories. In "Bones 1," Omar sings about daunting life decisions like having children, getting a 9 to 5 and settling down almost as if she's convincing herself: "Today's not that day, I'm not that girl."
The Make Out King and Other Stories of Love shimmers, radiating strength and sadness, all the while making you want to dance. The buzz and boldness of the bass from Ngyunen, the sick dynamic riffs from guitarist Adam Martinez, and the steady super tight beats from Justin Martinez, operate smoothly with passion and precision allowing Asli Omar to wail and whisper over the tracks with deep lustrous vocals.
You can and should snag the album on The Tontons bandcamp or iTunes today!
Best Coast to Release Mini-Album "Fade Away"
Best Coast, the sunny surfer-pop duo out of Los Angeles, CA, is due to release their new mini-album Fade Away on Oct. 22 via Jewel City label. Singer Bethany Cosentino has been keeping busy with partner and multi-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno since the release of their 2011 freshman album Crazy For You. Since then the duo has been touring the world playing shows with personal idols like Green Day, No Doubt, and Iggy Pop.
The new record is faster-paced and energetic, inspired by artists such as Patsy Cline, My Bloody Valentine, and Ambien. "Everything in this band has worked out so organically that sometimes it scares me that something bad is going to happen... I made some songs, I put them up on the internet, and here I am. I feel like the luckiest person in the world..."