Kerriann Curtis - Wordkrapht
Tidelands is a duo from San Francisco. Gabriel Leis (Vocals, guitar and flugelhorn) and Mie Araki (drums, moog synth) have been creating music together for quite some time. From playing in other bands, to finding their way together musically, Tidelands was born. We’ve Got A Map is their latest creation. Released in the summer of 2012, We’ve Got A Map is the duo’s second album. Although slightly different musically from their first album, If, Leis says the main inspiration behind recording their music is spontaneity. Recording this album in frequent spurts rather than during a continuous block of time gives their music a fresh sound. Each song flows naturally and doesn’t feel over-produced.
When listening to We’ve Got A Map, listeners will be treated to rich and layered melodies featuring not only just guitar, flugelhorn and drums but an orchestra (Magik*Magik Orchestra are friends of the duo, and helped out on the band’s first album as well).Gabriel Leis’ vocals are deep, haunting and fitting for the subject matter that of which he sings. Each song has its own theme and vibe with deep lyrical content. From singing about guilt and conscience to sex, to the joys of finding your muse, We’ve Got A Map could have a not- so- hidden meaning. Was the band trying to find their way through life and the result was this music? Whatever the reason for naming their album what they did we may not know but it works. Their formula for recording and creating their music works and works phenomenally. Their genre can only be described as “Orchestral Indie” a term the band came up with themselves. Proving their uniqueness, they can’t be described with your typical genre labels.
After just one listen to We’ve Got A Map and listeners will be in disbelief that this band isn’t better known. From their only upbeat (upbeat musically not lyrically it should be noted) track “The New Black” to the beautifully orchestrated “Toaster” and “Twin Lakes” Tidelands proves they can handle creating fresh, organic music with grace and ease .The album is a complete success from beginning to end, and will leave listeners wanting to hear more. Let’s help Tidelands out and prove to them that their brand of “Orchestral Indie” is a hit by showing them some love and spreading the word about their music.