Tigercub - ‘The Perfume of Decay’ review
A perfectly thematic exploration of the idea of opposites
Brighton’s bold rock trio Tigercub have teamed up with Pearl Jam legend Stone Gossard’s Loosegroove Records for their latest album: The Perfume of Decay.
First off, the contrasting idea of a perfume that smells rotten is oddly the perfect description for the theme behind this album. Dirty and gritty riffs combine with elegant yet unsettling vocals to create this unique, macabre atmosphere fitting of a masquerade in a haunted house. There’s a good variety of sounds and styles available, yet they all are fitting to the album’s concept, something I find challenging to pull off correctly and worthy of respect if done so.
The shining star of this album is Jamie Hall’s unorthodox lead guitar style which perfectly suits the uneasiness of the album. Most noticeable in the title track “The Perfume of Decay” and “Swoon”, the sliding and dissonance feels like you are tumbling down a rabbit hole to hell.
It’s clear that there are some strong influences, with numbers like “Show Me My Maker” and “Play My Favourite Song” featuring bass-driven riffs and vocal harmonies reminiscent of QOTSA and Royal Blood. However, Tigercub’s stylistic twists are still incorporated to make them their own.
It’s not all heavy headbangers. Two songs caught my attention for their gentler approach. Both feature soothing ambient guitar tones with simple but creative drumming from James Allix. “We’re a Long Time Gone“ comes in shortly after the halfway point in the running order and has a dulled acoustic rhythm with a melodic hook. It feels like Nirvana-meets-the-Beatles.
The closing tune “Help Me I’m Dreaming” is simply blissful. It’s the bittersweet end that, to me, paints the last dancers of the masquerade as the haunted house begins to crumble. The inclusion of an old-sounding piano in both songs is a refreshing addition to mix things up too, all while still perfectly thematic.
While sonically the theme of the album is clear, the topics of the songs are harder to distinguish. Songs tackle insomnia, false image in social media, faith, nostalgia, depression, love and the absence of it. It was hard to figure out what the specific point behind the album as a whole was, but the one constant is the idea of opposites. For every topic, there seems to be a juxtaposing point or aspect in the song. Jamie also has confirmed this himself. Even the title, The Perfume of Decay fits too.
Tigercub have clearly poured an immense amount of time and thought into the curation of this album, and it’s a joyous feeling to see it all tied together in such a brilliant way while keeping plenty of diversity. Jamie Hall, James Allix and Jimi Wheelwright should be very proud, and I'm hopeful to see this much care and layering in their future works.
Tigercub’s The Perfume of Decay is out now via Loosegroove Records.
