Spartan Records – Release Date: 10/21/22
84 Tigers released their debut album last month, titled Time in the Lighthouse. The band features singer/guitarist Mike Reed and bassist Ben Reed, both of whom played in Small Brown Bike, and drummer Jono Diener from The Swellers. While traces of the aforementioned bands are certainly present in their sound, 84 Tigers is very much its own distinctive project and one that freely explores new musical territories. One of the first standout tracks is “Great Basin”, which begins with a quake-inducing bass line that is quickly overtaken by a forceful verse. There’s a smooth transition to the chorus that’s done in an unpredictable manner, yet still sounds natural. The song draws to a close with a haunting breakdown that builds in intensity before the drums come roaring in, leading the band through the chorus one last time.
“Atlas Fractured” opens with a melodic intro, followed by a sense of movement in the verse that evokes imagery of a boat navigating choppy waters. The chorus has a post-punk vibe that uniquely complements the tuneful intro riff, resulting in what might be the album’s most accessible entry. “The Waves Beneath” immediately draws the listener in with an interwoven guitar lead and vocal melody. The same guitar lead carries through to the verse before a dissonant bridge offers a definite shift in mood. That said, this section still very much fits with the song as a whole, and highlights their ability to balance melody and heaviness. “Waiting Season” also bears mentioning as it’s reminiscent of a more masculine version of early Alkaline Trio. Its verse climbs to a spacey, groove-oriented chorus and while it may have a slower tempo than many of the record’s other songs, it remains equally appealing.
On Time in the Lighthouse, 84 Tigers have crafted an album that’s solid and engaging from start to finish. The stellar production, courtesy of Marc Jacob Hudson, (Against Me!, Taking Back Sunday) is noteworthy and helps to emphasize the nuances of their songwriting. Even though they’re just getting started, 84 Tigers have already established a strong identity and laid the groundwork for what is likely an exciting future.
