Reuniting with long-term collaborator and legendary producer Will Yip (The Wonder Years, Title Fight, Turnstile) once more, their seventh studio album kicks off with the subtle and acoustic ‘It’s okay’ before lead singles ‘Primary Colours’ and ‘Head is Like a Sinking Stone’ kick off. With the latter binding a guitar line that’s designed to get stuck in your head with and the deeply personal lyrics of Ben Walsh which were inspired by a dream about drowning that the frontman used to have when he was a child, it’s apparent from the get go that this record is one that aims in offering welcome respite from the state of the current world.
This musical variety can be seen in all eleven tracks across Lost On You and although there is a diverse influence of sounds on the record, ranging from the more commercial sounds of 2000’s emo to the more stripped-back and fuzzy sounds of 90’s grunge, Tigers Jaw always put their individual spin on these established influences. These can be seen on the profound lyricism of ‘Primary Colours’ which meshes vivid imagery alongside Brianna Collins’s delicate alto melodies, and the pounding and uncompromising rhythm section which complements the lush production and simplistic melodies of ‘Anxious Blade’ perfectly.
“Although there is a diverse influence of sounds on the record, Tigers Jaw always put their individual spin on them. ”
Another song that deserves a special mention is the quiet fury of ‘Light Leaks Through’, and the repeated refrain of “ the version of the person that you miss does not exist” is a powerful mantra that’s practically designed to scream along to at a show after letting go of things that no longer serve you, a constant and vital theme throughout this album. Using all forty minutes of their latest LP to their advantage, their lyrical content is once again thought-provoking without the use of high melodrama, the vocal harmonies and dynamics of both Walsh and Collins are another big reason why Tigers Jaw are so acclaimed within emo circles, and their openness to experimentation without completely abandoning their ethics and roots within the DIY scene is highly admirable-especially for one of the most popular artists in said scene.
Tiger Jaw’s latest album is another one of the many reasons why they still bring in impressive crowds since their formation over twenty years ago as it’s another cacophony of honest lyrical storytelling over a landscape of fuzzy guitars and clean vocals. If you need to cry, contemplate life, or relive your teen years whilst browsing tumblr and reblogging photos of Title Fight wall flags from 2009, then Lost on You is essential listening.