A captivating throwback from Somerset, UK.
Takotsubo is an alternative indie offering from Taunton’s own Broken heart surgery. It offers clever songwriting which nods to its influences beautifully. Within 8 tracks, Broken heart surgery cover a lot of ground; from beauty to pain, this release speaks to an audience with a voice which cares about authenticity, experience and songs with real atmosphere. Now without further ado, the songs:
Westbound:
An atmospheric opener which is incredibly easy to listen to. A vocal line performed with a real understanding of how to use the voice as an instrument within the mix. As will become a running theme with Takotsubo, Toby Howarth’s ability to craft just the right guitar tone or any song could not be more apparent than right here. The solo cuts right through the mix and is delivered with taste and punch.
Life is Beautiful
That intro! Holy f*cking 80’s that’s nice. Immediately met with Pat Benetar vibes from the instrumental which the vocals then take to the next level. Don’t expect an out and out Benetar rock ballad though. This track is restrained, pretty and well written. The bass work serves the song so perfectly and in my opinion makes it.
Ghosts
Gill Campbell’s ability to capture emotion and tell her story with her voice really is incredible. Her dynamics are on point and this song is a showcase of exactly that. Punctuated by some major groove from the rest of the band, this track is addictive and a highlight for me.
Sliding Away
For me, this is the stand out song of the album. An emotive anthem, reflecting backwards on a heartbreak. This song sounds to me like the wounds have healed but the scar tissue is never going to fade. The way the backing vocals sit in the mix is *chefs kiss*. I love this song and you should too!
You Let Me Down
The bassist wrote this didn’t he?
All joking aside, Paul Harvey take a bow. If I was tasked with showing young bassists how to serve a song with texture, dynamics and excellent note choice, I’d show them this. Great song which I’ll be happily singing to myself for the foreseeable future.
Day After tomorrow
Real lyrical depth here. Real, authentic lyrical grit which makes you think. An impassioned look at the state of the world today. Really interesting artistic voice with this one, not your usual youthfully enraged political rant, this is a mature, considered performance which shares the blame and reflects beautifully on the state of society and nature.
Finally Free
The rhythm section really shine here. Complimented by tasteful guitar work, Paul Harvey and Kevin Jeanes are so locked in here. I’m in a band, I know with absolute certainty that this is the song where the drummer and bassist grin at each other like lovesick teenagers (Why do they do that? Nobody knows.) and with good reason. A belter
Stop You from Falling
The big finale. This delivers everything you’d want in a closing number; Texture, grit, searing highs, moody lows. Atmospherically and sonically complete, this song is an emotional plea which exhibits a real understanding of self and what it is to sacrifice, be that good or otherwise. Artistically excellent and performed excellently.
In conclusion
Top to bottom this album is well written, well constructed and ego free. None of these musicians are here to show you how wonderful they are. They are here to show you what four experienced, accomplished songwriters can do when they put their heads together and the result is a testament to their abilities. Captures elements of Pat Benetar and Siouxsie Sioux while keeping its own unique voice. Give them a listen and show them some love on the social platforms below.
