Good Tiger return with their sophomore album, ‘We Will All Be Gone’, after debuting ‘A Head Full of Moonlight’ back in 2015. With every song on this latest offering, it’s clear that they’ve taken the past three years to truly hone their sound, offering a more cohesive album than the varied styles of their debut. There’s nothing wrong with experimentation, but this certainty grants them a confidence that shines through on the album.
Opening with first single, ‘The Devil Thinks I’m Sinking’, the album takes flight with soaring vocals reminiscent of Circa Survive’s Anthony Green as former TesseracT frontman Elliot Coleman belts out the chorus. Although comparative to Chiodos, or previously mentioned Circa Survive, the band triumph with their own signature sound. This is best portrayed by fifth track ‘Salt of the Earth’. Melodic vocals marry well with guitars that are often subtle until they’re thrust into the spotlight by a Thomas Erak-esque chord progression, elevating the song.
The album closes with ‘I’ll Finish This Book Later’, introducing the range in Coleman’s versatile vocal register. Slightly deeper, his voice carries beautifully for the first two minutes before a chugging guitar alters the feel of the track. The curtains draw soon after, having successfully navigated a variety of tones and moods.
Good Tiger aren’t over the top, but they don’t need to be. The five-piece, alternative rock outfit do a great job of using seemingly understated instrumental elements to create a full sound which hints at the complexity brewing beneath the surface. Following touring dates with Biffy Clyro and I The Mighty, the band are set for a run with Protest The Hero this spring where they’ll hopefully showcase a good measure of ‘We Will All Be Gone’ to old and new fans alike.
RENETTE VAN DER MERWE