Colorado post-hardcore/alternative rock band Tigerwine releases their new emotionally impactful and musically succinct album, Toil & Spin.
Tigerwine has always been a band that is rather unique in the indie-rock scene. Their psychedelic/indie, pseudo-post-hardcore style has always brought a distinct melodic and introspective quality to the indie-rock foundation, while also having the vocal and instrumental tenacity to break the molds of the genre and breach them into more aggressive, gritty territories. Since the band's introduction into the scene with their 2015 EP release, Lull, the band would further solidify their unique presence in the industry with 2017's Die With Your Tongue Out, and their 2020 full-release, Nothing Is For You, their first record with the label Tooth and Nail Records. Such a partnership has proved fruitful for the band, as the record label is famous for locating some of the best underground gems in the scene and growing them into some of the best, untypical acts in the rock industry.
A band that has been just as heavy and intense as their moniker for the past 8 years, their eclectic approach to the genre has kept post-hardcore outfits alive and kicking all these years. While their last record served as a sort of love letter to freedom of artistic expression, Tigerwine's 2024 effort is a testament to the band's twists and turns within the creativity that has brought them full circle to the heavier, cinereal, and progressive side to their post-hardcore roots.
From the first impression of Toil & Spin, Tigerwine brings to light something that feels very familiar yet isolated from their previous releases. With a traditional built-in intro that segues into "Perennial," Tigerwine pulls listeners into more delicate yet atmospherically weighty textures that only seem to develop more with each track experience.
"Wax Magnetic," Prototypic," and major highlight, "Baptized in Glass" serve as perfect examples of how Tigerwine have used their time on each track to build up the atmospheric, gritty instrumental realms these lyrics live in. Wispy and evocative in its delivery, the band establishes this poignant and powerfully stirring presence that grows in emotionally resonant tracks such as dreamy, instrumental moments like "Contra." Distoried and passionate, Tigerwine shows enjoyment and reinvigorated love for playing with its post-hardcore and grunge elements, creating gorgeous moments on the record that really stick with you.
"Lastly" and "Eat Around The Mold" continue to show more musical dexterity. With some of the most infectious use of melody in this section of the record, these experiences feel very nostalgic and show off some of the best sonic range of Tigerwine's signature emotionally strained vocal play and lyrical resonance.
Toil and Spin ends with beautifully dulcet and dark moments, "The Hammer Blow" and "Toil and Spin." Compelling and full of gritty elegance, Tigerwine ends their new album with a sense of edge yet soul-stirring elegance that soaks deep into the vestiges of one's audial senses.
Toil & Spin is an album that exemplifies the band's unwavering creative spirit, reflecting the evolution of their sound since the release of Nothing Is For You. Over time, the band has harnessed their unique ability to craft intricate and varied soundscapes, which are rich in texture and complexity. This latest record displays their artistic growth and hints at the vast potential for their music to evolve further. As they explore new sonic territories, listeners can anticipate even more distinctive and innovative forms emerging in the future, as this barely scratches the surface of what this post-hardcore talent is capable of.
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