Tusks — Tusks

This is TUSKS first release. It's either a brief album or a long EP, as it is under thirty minutes long. The band refers to themselves in all caps, and in "singular". Sound a touch pompous? Well if you read the remainder of their press release, which also describes them as "mature" and "collegiate" since they all met post pubescence, than, yeah, ok, it kind of is. Press releases often misrepresent bands somewhat, so take that into the equation; they're usually not written by, and in many cases even run by the band prior to dispersal to the media. But the reason for bringing it up in relation to TUSKS is because the music this band makes matches up with the expectations one might derive from the previously mentioned characterization.

It's very calculated, professional and safe. The musicianship is spot on, particularly Julien Beillard's guitar playing, which is precise and melodic. Robin Buckley's drumming is tight and crisp and Simir Khan's vocals are fine if not bland, in fact reminding me of a mellow version of Ben Folds. The music is somewhat along the Ben Folds trajectory as well for the most part.

It is "singer/songwriter" music which straddles the line with pop, as on the bubbly number Man's Best Friends. Calling All Thieves runs closer to blue-eyed soul along the lines of late Seventies/early 80's Hall and Oates. Honestly there's nothing to hate here, as this is a pleasant, competent affair. The fault is that it's character-less and unadventurous. It's just the type of music which aims for, and possibly has a chance at attaining widespread popularity, for better or worse.