New Music: God damn it, you’ve got to be kind by The Tenenbaums
Winchester, Ontario, which is about 50 kilometers south of Ottawa, has a rural community with a population of around 11,000. Three among them happen to be some of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met and together they make great music as The Tenenbaums. And after quite the hiatus from recording as a group, they all have various side projects, The Tenenbaums are back with that same wonderful punk rock energy and ethos on God damn it, you’ve got to be kind.
From the very beginning of the album opening track “Mirrors,” hits you with slick yet simple riffs, loud gang vocals and the driving beat of the drums true to the style. They vary their pace from frantic to slow breakdowns all the while sneaking in some smooth bass lines. This approach rings true for much of the album. The band does not shy away from a range of tempos, heavy bass lines and any opportunity to belt out the lyrics at the top of their lungs together. I can’t help but picture how well that would translate live and dream of the day where I’ll be able to wrap my arms around a friend’s shoulder and sign the lines right back at them live.
While songs “Mirrors,” “New Year, who’s dis” and “RKM” really capture the bands strength and will translate great live, the song that really stand out for me is “It’s not your fault yet (but it will be).” There is something about the guitar riffs at the beginning of the song that brings me back to early Weakerthans and I just really feel a home in lyrics that say “laughing while we fall apart.”
God damn it, you’ve got to be kind, was recorded by Matt Post over the past three or so years at Not Your Car Records. Have a listen to the seven song gem below and prepare yourself to want to grab a beer with your friends and sing at the top of your lungs like you’re at concert or house show in a small town.