EP Review: deep tan - 'diamond horsetail'
An eccentric new sound is storming through the scene, it’s the new wave slash post-punk sound of trio deep tan. They just released the single ‘rudy ya ya ya’ which also appears on their brand new EP ‘diamond horsetail’. If you think these titles are peculiar, then you haven’t heard their sound yet, it’s a perfect match.
The five track counting EP is a fascinating blend of influences, effects and high pitched, ecstatic vocals. They received critical acclaim for previous releases and will undoubtedly get more praise for their brand new piece of art. It is nothing like I have heard before, and something that has truly taken hold of me. The EP builds up like a pan of soup being slowly brought to the boil and ends in boiling point and title track ‘diamond horsetail’, but let’s start at the beginning! ‘beginners’ krav maga’ builds subtly, shimmering guitar riffs and almost exotic sounding vocals lead the way, paving the path for the bands’ memorable musical fantasies.
The London-based trio combine spiky guitars with sharp and detached vocals, create something new and different, and inspire others in their wake. ‘device devotion’ is another intricate sound built on almost hallucinating vocals, certainly a sound and vibe I won’t soon forget! With ‘gender expansion’ deep tan lean against a more conventional sound, even though also slowly built up, working up the appetite, reeking more of a pop rock track unlike the rest of their new wave punk tracks. No vocals though, sadly. Single ‘rudy ya ya ya’ was what piqued my interest, and it is also one of my personal favourites on the EP. Edgy and different in many ways, it is exciting and innovative and makes me wonder how the trio bring this in a live setting!
About their latest offering they share some abstract thoughts: “Caught with your pants down, brown ooze slides down a furrowed brow as sacha interrupts — ! (aka the rudy giuliani diss track you never asked for).” deep tan make music that emerges from the fatalistic side of life with a flash of cynicism and a rumble of venomous intent. They toured their previous EP extensively, played some widely well-known festivals and supported fellow UK post punks Yard Act, and are now gearing up for a ‘diamond horsetail’ tour through the UK!
The peculiar trio are daring and open-hearted, and don’t shy away from the unknown nor what’s not been done before. Despite their music being quite like marmite - you like or you don’t - they bring it with a convincing lick that is hard to ignore and hard not to like. There is a fierceness and an energy to the EP that shows lust for more and a willingness to work for it, which is what I admire in deep tan. And even though there is a good chance I won’t be listening to this EP again in a few months time, it inspired me to write a review that helped me reflect on the modern musical landscape, and for that, I praise deep tan!
Words by Laura Rosierse
