Tulula!
Singing Songs in the Dark
(Diablo Dulce Records)
Tulula! is a very interesting five-member Ulster County project helmed by songwriter, singer, guitarist, and keyboardist (and Chronogram contributor) Jason Broome and featuring Bongos bassist Rob Norris. Their fun, sort-of-playful, catchy vocals make me imagine college rockers who, thankfully, aren't getting unironically into the harmonies of the Grateful Dead over a bowl of mixed-nuts arrangements ranging between math rock and indie rock. Seriously, some instrumental sections almost sound like Karate or Slint, if they'd been aimed more at the jam-band crowd. "Alimony" is like a breakup soundtrack to an Edward Gorey illustration. "Bootstraps" also stands out, showcasing Tulula!'s power to create songs that feel like fully composed short stories. Violin and cello enhance the excellent songwriting throughout the album. Pair with absinthe or a little green grass and you'll be all set. Facebook.com/tululamusic.
—Morgan Y. Evans
