in Reviews

Familiar new sounds

"Tuomo’s sound has triumphed through three albums now, and on the fourth, released in January 2014, it’s time for a new direction. Tuomo finds that in retro that is a step more recent."

TUOMO

The New Mystique

RCA 88843008392

Tuomo Prättälä rose to prominence in the Finnish jazz and soul scene in 2007 with his debut single Don’t Take it Too Hard. The song instantly introduced the signature sound of the recording artist called Tuomo. His combination of retro soul and jazz felt fresh and familiar at once. Tuomo’s sound has triumphed through three albums now, and on the fourth, released in January 2014, it’s time for a new direction. Tuomo finds that in retro that is a step more recent.

The New Mystique moves from the world of 1970s soul towards electronic music and especially the sounds of the 1980s and 1990s. The subtle samples take the mind to hip hop, such as the movie soundtrack-like spoken word intro on the album’s title track. The R&B influence is especially evident on Girls.

Throughout his career, Tuomo has brought private experiences close to the listener, and he continues to reminisce about everyday life with personal observations – the mix brings the vocals to the forefront, emphasising the intimacy.

 The vocals are again the main instrument on The New Mystique, and the rich compositions and supple melodies never overshadow Tuomo’s signature sound – his unique singing.

Sini Mononen

Translation: Jonathan Mander

 

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