The traditional wisdom is that you shouldn’t judge a book by the cover. The EP ‘Whispers’ By Tsars is one of those exceptions that proves that rule. A quirky yet simple sleeve featuring various flying insects endorses and reflects the content of an improbably good debut by a fresh-faced quartet. The band looks like they’d have problems getting into an 18 certificate film. Clearly looks can be deceptive as their appearance completely belies the extraordinary quality and calibre of music that displays a sophistication and maturity way beyond their years.
They are a classic example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. There is not even a smidgen of contrivance in the seamless cohesion of their personal contributions. Nothing is surplus to requirement. It feels as though they have repeatedly distilled their music through a refining process until it’s ended up as smooth and pure as a single malt whisky. In short they have already perfected the art of making it seem simple and yet there are layers of sound to enjoy. Good music like this can be listened to in many ways, be it as a total experience or by sifting through the component parts and appreciating it by dissection. Either way Tsars have forged a product that elegantly exudes a panache and confidence in it’s own polish. They are self-sufficient with ideas and haven’t needed to plunder or clone anyone else.
For the sake of reference points they walk in the footsteps of numerous giants, be it the dry urbanities of Morissey and Jarvis Cocker or more recent exponents such as The Libertines. As always comparisons are fairly odious and should only be used as signposts. The joy of something new and original is that it should be judged on it’s own merit. One day people will be citing Tsars as the forebears of whatever lies down the road in twenty years time.
There are six tracks on the EP - a rhythmical and very infectious melange of exuberant guitars, percussive eloquence and charismatic vocals from the throat of Alexi McNulty-Bakas who delivers introspective lyrics with poetic style. These songs successfully bridge that gap between integrity and accessibility. The result is intelligent but not pretentious, melodic but not simplistic. All of the songs are strong and some of them are particularly fine. The voice itself is redolent of Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze in terms of tonal quality but critically it has that alternative/indie atmosphere that provides an ideal foil to the sizzling perfection of the backing. It adds that little bit of grit around which the whole ensemble develops into a pearl.
The eponymous ‘Whispers’ confounds it’s title and cries out with the problems of relationships and jealousies. The very short but sweet ‘Interlude’ conspicuously takes advantage of stereo separation and uses it in an effective dialogue between the left and right speakers, while the syncopated rhythms of ‘Hard times ahead’ and ‘Reflections’ demonstrates the unity and prowess of this outfit. Their performance is so tight you couldn’t slip a ballot paper between their individual importance. A nod of recognition should also be tipped to the bass – an essential element that is often overlooked but is a crucial part of the foundations, as it is in this case. The parting track is ‘Coma’ which begins with pretty harmonics on the guitar and evolves into an upbeat arrangement for downbeat lyrics. It works wonderfully. These are choice cuts with all the fat trimmed away - a lean mean platter full of nourishment yet with flavour and gravitas, and the whole thing is just so unremittingly enjoyable.
Tell people you were one of the first to catch on. And don’t just whisper their name… shout it from the rooftops. The Tsars are on the verge of ascending to musical authority. Vive la revolution!
Review by Peter Heydon
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