Tentonic CD Review

I actually had to eject Tentonic's new EP after about fifteen seconds of listening.

Not that there was anything wrong with the record, it's just that I had to make sure I didn't accidentally pop in The Verve instead. Now, as much bands are concerned about being written off as derivative these days, the comparison here is certainly meant as compliment.

The sonic similarities between the two bands are truly uncanny. Opening track "Sterling" begins with a steady, melancholy riff that floats in an airy dreamscape of reverb. The track, clocking in at a very Verve six minutes and 30 seconds, would sound right at home wedged somewhere between "Sonnet" and "Velvet Morning" on "Urban Hymns."

Although singer Sid Wilson's satin-smooth vocals don't carry the same weight as Ashcroft's, he is quick to reference the unworthy possession of a "silver spoon," a popular Ashcroft theme.

The following tracks do take some detours, but Tentonic is never far off from the more psychedelic side of Britpop. There are up-tempo romps reminiscent of The Charlatans, anthematic nods to The Doves, and even The Edge's signature guitar sound pops up for U2-inspired track "A New Land."

So, it's no surprise then that Wilson is in fact from the UK. Afterall, Tentonic doesn't merely wear their influences on their sleeve, they wave them high on union-jack striped flag and parade them through the city.

But frankly, it's not that easy to sound like The Verve, and Tentonic do it extraordinarily well. The delicate production on "Sterling" is truly outstanding, and although it does sound at times like "Urban Hymns," it never sounds like an amateur record.

The problem is that other contemporary artists have already tried recreating this sound. LA's The Shore did back in 2005, and all they have to show for it now is a moderately successful single and a Web site that hasn't been updated in half a year.

The musicianship showcased on "Sterling" is truly inspiring and well honed, but Tentonic still need time to develop their own identity. It is abundantly clear that they understand the intricacies that made music like The Verve so appealing, but longevity can only be achieved through ingenuity.

Meanwhile, as the band comes into its own, Verve fans that have grown disappointed and disaffected by Ashcroft's saccharin solo work will certainly appreciate this morsel of dreamy goodness that they've been craving. Tentonic celebrate their CD Release at The Loft on Friday March 7th.