Mixed Emotions

Tanlines' first full-length record, Mixed Emotions creates a warmly pleasant feeling as the gently rollicking rhythms, subtle washes of synths, woody percussion fills, and gauzy arrangements drizzle over the listener like steamy bathwater. There's a comforting softness to the album (only occasionally broken by a stray emotion in Eric Emm's vocals or a danceable tempo) that makes it perfect background music for working away in a cubicle or relaxing after a long day. The occasionally soaring melodies (as on "Not the Same") and empowering words may even do a bit of subconscious uplifting of spirits. ~ Tim Sendra