TE/MO is a fairly new artist on the scene, so it’s really impressive that she’s already managed to release two EPs this year – TAROT, UPRIGHT and TAROT, REVERSED. In this review, we’ll be focusing on TAROT, UPRIGHT, but if you like what you read and hear in this review, we’d also recommend giving TAROT, REVERSED a go too!
By Jane Howkins
First up is DEVIL, a song we actually reviewed on its own a while back. It’s just as good as I remember it, seeing TE/MO create a uniquely funky pop song with an infectiously catchy vibe. Essentially, it’s a rebellious anthem of sorts, displaying TE/MO’s fantastic sense of humour in fine fashion, alongside her gorgeous songwriting skills. The track breaks down towards the end as the poppy beats disappear and an orchestral section appears, sounding like nothing else out there at the moment!
MY NAME starts out with a cool bassline, awesomely underpinning the vocals. It’s another catchy tune that sees the artist changing the dynamics rapidly throughout the track, keeping you constantly guessing as to what’s going to come next. There are lots of different layers on offer here, so make sure you listen to it a few times over to fully appreciate everything – the piano section on the bridge is particularly gorgeous.
SISTER ON FIRE introduces a cool set of piano chords, pulsating nicely along with the bass, drums and the rest of the instrumentation. There’s a real sense of feminism layered into the lyrics, making this a track with both style and substance! AFTER TONIGHT sees TE/MO using her vocals in a really cool way, going down to a much deeper tone at times. However, it all works well, showing yet another side to this amazing new artist.
WRITTEN IN THE CARDS changes things up completely, as it’s more of a ballad than anything else. This track sees TE/MO exposing a more tender side to her audience, performing a gorgeous piano motif and a lovely selection of Christmassy backing effects.
The last track on the record is CAN I DO UR CHART, seeing the singer-songwriter going back to the electro-pop sound that runs through most of the other songs on the album, bookending it perfectly. The synths bubble around gorgeously, ensuring this is one song you’ll have on repeat!
TAROT, UPRIGHT is a fantastic record from TE/MO, showing that this is an artist with a great deal of depth. Make sure you also give TAROT, REVERSED a go too!
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