San Francisco's Tea Leaf Green have finally harnessed their considerable live mojo into a gorgeously sculpted studio counterpart that reflects the quintet's bounteous creativity, instrumental dexterity, and dedicated songwriting chops. This is an album in the classic sense, a wide spectrum journey one takes knowing steady hands will stir one through the shifting currents. Co-produced by Jeremy Black (Apollo Sunshine) at Oakland's increasingly hot Coyote Hearing Studio, In The Wake wriggles and glows with life, a chronicle of survivors thriving through myriad challenges, the bubbling product of a rugged, dented determination to seek beauty and truth in a song.
K**R
Best 'New' Band I've heard in a decade. It only took them 13 years to reach me.
I picked up Seeds (the first three albums) in a thrift shop, a few weeks ago. I instantly captivated by the youthful exuberance and joy of this band. They sounded as though, while not knowing exactly what they were doing, they were having a wonderful time. The artwork on the covers reflected the trippy, but yet very accessible music. Kind of like the Grateful Dead, kind of like Pink Floyd, but without the hype and hoopla. I was instantly charmed by their honesty, their experimentation, and their dedication.It's been about thirteen years, and now we have this. A jamming band reaching full maturity, paid dues over and over. And, joy of joys, they still sound happy doing what they do. This is a jam band that has really packed a LOT of sound into their latest studio work. They have taken full advantage of wonderful effects that are available - but in the service of the excellent songs. They remind us that there is nothing wrong in acting like a child - something this 59 year old ex-hippy needed to remember.Perhaps the purists might object to over-production. Great - listen to their earlier albums, and enjoy them. I rather like how they have matured, how I can finally actually enjoy a newly discovered band.By combining retro rock sensibilities (songs about love with just the right touch of cynicism and wit) with virtuoso craftsmanship and plenty of trippy ear candy, these gentle Californians have come up with a masterful piece of music.Why aren't they better known? Too many reasons to list - Hostile Radio, Kids that would rather whine or pose, etc. Tea Leaf Green at least sounds real. I suggest you try them!
J**E
Not the TLG I was used to, but a refreshing step in a new direction
I thoroughly enjoy Tea Leaf Green's whimsical, laid back style, and at first I was very disappointed in this album because there are only a couple songs which adhered to their style. What I got instead was a musical buffet. There are songs that explore a variety of styles with a Tea Leaf twist. The longer I listen to this album, the more I enjoy the plethora of sounds they have to offer. Once I got over being upset that I didn't get what I was expecting, I really fell in love.From the Umphrey's-esque sound of the title track, to the horns in One Condition's Enough to the jam of Space Hero IV, the variety is great. If you want a good 'ol fashioned TLG song, Give Me One More Change or We Aren't Done will tickle your fancy.
F**Z
I thought I ordered Tea Leaf Green
Not sure what to think. I was forewarned that Tea Leaf Green sounded "different" now, but didn't expect this much. I'd listened to a lot of the free Coyote Session stuff from their website, so I guess I was expecting a cross between that and the "Trio" covers sound. I don't know how to describe this.
S**M
Creative and Fascinating
Definitely not the TLG you're familiar with, but well worth a listen if you like good music and creativity. I love the way this band continues to evolve.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
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