ALBUM REVIEW: Tangerine Tragic – The Oklahoma Kid
German modern metal band THE OKLAHOMA KID are back with their second full-length album, Tangerine Tragic. Known for pushing boundaries when it comes to genre, this new release delivers hard-hitting riffs and enjoyable grooves that would make many stop and listen.
Starting off with To Dance With Fire, the band introduce new listeners to some techno elements which quickly merge into a cool mix of well-timed drums and a distinct riff. Harsh vocals from Tomm Brümmer then make an entrance, giving some strained shouts which set out the sort of style we’re in for in the rest of this album. Some classic metalcore sounds run throughout, giving off heavy WAGE WAR vibes, but mixed with this techno element that the band seems to enjoy layering. An effective way to capture a listener’s attention during a song is to change the pace up randomly, and in this case the band draw the beats out slowly to make you appreciate the impactful hardcore sound that this creates. The drama then builds again into a meaty metalcore sounding drop, contrasted with the more tuneful hook towards the end of the song.
A Velvet Feel brings us another techno-based intro, this then combining with guitars and drums to create a more upbeat sound. This song is the first on the album so far that features more heavily melodic vocals. This less aggressive tone allows for a chiller vibe throughout, contrasted with some more slightly shouted vocals during the chorus. There is however, a small drop section with heavier vocals, riffs and beats which is a nice change-up in relation to the song as a whole. This song displays the ability of THE OKLAHOMA KID of being able to combine elements from many genres to create their own sound. By being able to create a softer song that still has heavier elements that don’t sound out of place, it’s really successful. The ending of this track consists of a minute long techno-based atmospheric instrumental, which rounds off the track well and blends into the next one too.
Track number five, Replaced, produces another softer beginning, switching this up with a slight tempo increase to result in some more strained vocals, before going back into a more melodic section that displays some rock and pop sensibilities. The chorus of this track is very catchy and displays a well-executed merge of clean and unclean vocals. Some backing vocals are introduced which add another layer of depth, and then the song moves into a breakdown of sorts, bringing a heavier element to it. A rich guitar solo in the latter half of the song takes it from being memorable to truly enjoyable, showing the range the musicians in the band have.
The song Waldsterben is an impactful song with an impactful message. The name of the song refers to the amount of trees dying in Europe caused by pollution, this song is full of down-tuned distorted guitar riffs and shouting/chanting elements. Paired with a catchy chorus and almost intimidating sounding riffs, this track is full of anger which creates an undeniable impact. Some meaty riffs and drums paired with the techno element that runs throughout the album makes for a well rounded song. Overall, Tangerine Tragic delivers a lot; it shows off even more of the range THE OKLAHOMA KID have, and makes for an all-round enjoyable listen.
Rating: 8/10
Tangerine Tragic is set for release on June 3rd via Arising Empire.
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