#SRCZ Music Review // Tense Men – Where Dull Care Is Forgotten
Sometimes an album title
makes you think. Tense Men’s new release Where Dull Care Is Forgotten is one of
them. But it’s the images the songs conjure in the depths of your mind that
make that all important distinction between ordinary and earworm. Arguably,
though, if there is an earworm on this record then it has a tendency to change
the rules more than once in a good while.
Lo-fi excellence is the key
here, and the images of tiny venues in a big city getting sweaty to the sound
of hypnotic madness is one that pops up here often. Key to that effect is the
pounding drum beat, of course. RNRFON is a prime example, suiting an
underground venue with barely space for a bar to put the drinks on perfectly. With
some definite psych and sixties influences on it, there is little reason you
shouldn’t stop what you’re doing right now to check it out!
The whole E.P. in fact is mesmerising
listening. Nothing you haven’t heard
before, but undoubtedly something you should. Perhaps the title Where Dull Care
Is Forgotten is alluding to the sheer listen ability of the record? Whatever dull
care you have, this dreamscape conceived set of songs is the perfect antidote.
Never wholly original, but always comfortably in the dark zone enough that you’ll
not forget it in a hurry, there is much to recommend a listen. Ideally whilst sitting
in a converted electric chair surrounded by your favourite robotic pets and
some cool friends.
(S.Gahan)