Showcasing an inspiring fusion of Americana and classic roots rock n' roll, The Tasty Kings and Blondie Chaplin's album, Native Tongue, feels familiar and relatable.
Founded by composer and musician Andrew Morse, Native Tongue is the NYC group's third studio album, made in collaboration with long-time artist and vocalist Blondie Chaplin. Chaplin's musical career spans nearly six decades, including credits with legends like The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, The Band, and The Rolling Stones under his belt. The two collaborated to create an album that was a unique blend of their individual styles and influences, and features a who's who of other notable names like Darryl Jones and Charlie Sexton among others.
"Done and Dusted" opens the album with a strong, enticing groove. Twangy electric guitars and a tight rhythm section lay down a solid foundation for the track, allowing Chaplin's vocals to soar. The lyrics discuss the struggles of surviving and moving forward when life gets difficult: "Done and dusted / I'm in a deep freeze / Nothing left of me."
The second and perhaps most notable track, "Maybe I'm a Queen," is accompanied by a moving music video directed by Jacques Naudé. The short film depicts Chaplin singing and posing in various locations, accompanied by a number of dancers from different walks of life. Both the footage and the song ask the listener to consider their own humanity and the intimate interconnectedness it brings. The song lyrics cycle through different "maybe I'm" statements, suggesting that no matter who or what we are, we are still human beings.
"Flyboy," the seventh track, retells the story of Icarus. The driving, rolling rhythm and soaring electric guitars lend to the song a joyous, floating quality. Rather than treating the story of Icarus as a tragedy, it focuses on the triumph of his flight: "The dream of his life / Has only begun / As he spread out his wings / In the caress of the sun."
"Kiss Me" slows things back down again with a pleasant acoustic ballad. A shaker providing the rhythm, aided by the layered acoustic guitars, creates an immersive atmosphere for Chaplin's vocals. He tenderly sings to his prospective lover "Maybe you should kiss me / Maybe you should dismiss me / Maybe you should hold my hand / Like I'm your main man."
Native Tongue is a resounding tapestry of music, woven by an inspiring and unique collaboration of seasoned talent.
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