Baroque pop band Tomten debuted their most recent LP, Wednesday’s Children, last week. It is their second record, the first being 2010’s self-released Tomten.
By and large the group cultivates a musical aura that does not depend upon contemporary indie music tropes. Their sound is clearly and unabashedly linked to the sonic influences of 1960’s and ’70’s pop music – think The Kinks or Big Star for just a start.
Organist, guitarist and lead singer Brian Noyeswatkins steers the ethereal ship through patient, emotive songs that do not waste a single note. Bassist/vocalist Lena Simon, lead guitarist/vocalist Gregg Belisle-Chi, and drummer Jake Brady join him in forging a unique set of delicate but confident tracks on Wednesday’s Children.
The eponymous song "Wednesday’s Children" is an elegant anthem which feels like a folk song that fell out of a dream. This is a consistent characteristic in their sound: each song conjures its own private universe which the listener is sweetly invited into. "So So So" is a great example of a track that puts Lena’s voice on full display; Jake’s subtleties on the set and Gregg’s reverb-laden guitar parts are critical additions.
Wednesday’s Children is available on vinyl and compact disc via Flat Field Records in local record stores and online.
– Cameron LaFlam
Watch Tomten perform "So So So" below: