Tamar Berk quietly asks for a moment on “Your Permission” to speak frankly; and as we descend into her mind, it’s accompanied by melodic piano and impressive overlapping harmonies that build up to a peak by the end of the song. “Tragic Endings” is a brilliant hook-filled song full of deep truths, sounding somewhere between Liz Phair and Suzanne Vega. It’s an intimate self-examination after the unexpected death of Berk’s father, and the oppressiveness of living through Covid isolation. Recovery from this trauma is examined very clearly in “Hoping This Day Won’t Kill Us,” she is “going through the motions” of life just to “keep going.”
The low breathy whisper of “You Already Knew” is a bittersweet memory of her last meeting and “Sweet Relief” is a dreamlike monologue that’s full of soulful twang that is both compelling and inspiring. But it’s not all downbeat, “Alone Tonight” is a hopeful look forward with a sweet guitar break after the main verse. “Real Bad Day” is purposely hard-rocking, and the thoughtful “Dandelions in My Flowerbed” is a power-pop tune that bounces through your head. The warmth and authenticity of Tamar’s songs are matched by her obvious talent. Highly Recommended.
Boston band Speedfossil is an energetic bunch. Led by Garret Vandermolen (singer/songwriter) and supported by Michael Scotti (bass/vocals), Dan Jordan (guitar/vocals) & Hector Saint-Hilaire (drums)they open things with “Luckiest Man in the World” sounding like a hybrid of The Smithereens and The Cars, it’s the quick chorus and guitar shredding that hook you right away. It slows considerably for “Rag Doll” and “You Got A Lot of Nerve,” thoughtful tunes about your partner’s sexual ambiguity, the latter boasting catchy hand-clapping verses.
Garret constructs a variety of memorable melodies, including “Disconnected,” a mellow, but dispirited theme about the gradual breakup of a relationship. Overall some great tunes here; check out the classic rock riffs of “The Verge,” “Pieces of Eight” and the kick-ass finale “Count Me Out.” The production and musicianship are also superb throughout. Highly Recommended.