THE TiPS with a small "i" will release their new album on April 17, 2024.
The band's last album from Düsseldorf dates back to 2016.
In the last eight years, the band has disbanded and reformed. The result of this reunion is now "Eat Plastic".
The new album contains seven songs. One might think, only seven songs? That's not even one song per year. But that’s not how one should calculate. It’s not about quantity but quality.
THE TiPS showcase a true fireworks of style in their new work. The band comes from reggae. The trio describes their style as "Reggae-Rock-Punk-Soul". That captures the sound quite well. I would also add emo and metal to the mix.
Even after multiple listens to the album, it is very difficult for me to draw a conclusion. There are really successful songs like "See You". A nice 2-tone number, perfect for skanking. Here and there a bit of pop mixed in, which benefits the song's progression. A song that is consistently fine. After "See You", "Smooth" follows, a wonderful but somewhat clichéd reggae number. Nice for chilling, relaxed dancing, and dreaming. It’s fun.
But there are also songs like "History won’t change". A really nice reggae number at the beginning. Great for dancing, with a nice mosh part and good lyrics. However, in the second half, something takes over that no longer appeals to me. Too much guitar, too many effects.
Similar is "Are you alright". Great start, nice old-school reggae style. But then there are harsh guitars that could almost come from metal or hardcore. In the best case, one can mosh to it. In the worst case, the dancing feet remain silent and strange looks go to the speakers. Does it have to be like this?
The band shows on the album that they are musically capable of much. However, the art also lies in not having to show everything one can do. For me, there is a bit too much ambition here.
Maybe I’m just too old school....
So the conclusion is quite ambivalent.
An album that will divide opinions.
Listening in is not wrong and is recommended to every reggae lover as well as to those who enjoy a lot of variety.
The album will only be released physically as vinyl.
