From Wicklow, this exciting band has been around for five years or thereabouts. Their Alt/Prog/Punk sound is an acquired taste which has tantalized enough music lovers’ palates, to inspire Paul Finan and Co. to continue their reign around the live gig circuit.
More Tiny Giants retain a faithful following and this new album is proof that they have kept their original charm, with a little bit of maturity and style added to the mix we hear in these ten interesting tracks!
Launched in July, it involves some of the band’s older material updated, plus lots of new songs.
Hocus Pocus
With a resounding ear splitting guitar chord, followed by a thumping beat and blasted out riff, this number has that special MTG hallmark written all over it.
I love the creepy guitar riffs throughout the chorus, which is performed by Monsieur Finan with his unique vocal style and undeniable aplomb!
Lead notes are weird and wonderful and a cunningly placed key change increases the sense of drama within the song. The punky beat, crazy mood and especially the last roaring notes remind you that you are listening to something not to be tampered with unless you have read the warning!
Our boys waste no time taking their fans back to one of their finest creations.
Wolves at the Door
A fabulous number and always will be my own personal favourite song from their repertoire. The Theme song from their debut E.P., it begins with a stomping, choppy rhythm pounded out by drums and bass. If you like the hairs on the back of your neck standing on end, this unsettling song will do it!
Guitars are excellent throughout, with riffs framing verse and chorus to perfection and in this updated version some extra sound effects and backing vocals lend to the threatening atmosphere of the lyrics and melody line.
Paul, with his amazing vocal range belts out the first chorus and as the song progresses, dynamic builds up. By the time you get to the later choruses and middle eight, things become utterly explosive!
Insanity
This piece involves a brilliant three four type tempo, like a funky jazz waltz. Electric guitars create a delicious in sync backdrop to Paul’s powerful delivery of the lyrics. The chorus is particularly catchy and electronic keyboard adds to the voluminous crescendo. Harmony filters through here and there, with backing vocals also doing a refrain in the chorus. I like how it builds up from the three four guitar riff, to a big plethora of instruments bashing out a haunting riff and ultimately a loud, colourful ending.
War on my back
This rhapsody is an amazing example of what MTG can do!
It begins with a softly sung verse, with gorgeous piano and barely there drums accompanying. The rhythm has an unusual pattern, but chords are fab and the melody is sweet as pie. But it’s a smokescreen for what’s ahead, because suddenly things become loud and aggressive, including the lyrics which express frustration; This anger can’t be contained any more.
Then it gives way to a melodic refrain that offers hope; So I’m gonna get us some quality time and we’re gonna get along fine. But it’s not long before the sound builds up again and the passionate, anger lit chorus comes back with matching rage coming from the guitars and drums. I love those huge, resounding chords, the changes of pace and mood and the unpredictability of this entire track.
Mr. Universe
Taming things down, this song sounds like a story of anger over a lost relationship and hatred for the new guy in his ex lover’s life. I love the descriptions; I’ll take my chances with these savages/ fend them off with doses of love/I’ll pierce their hearts with a javelin/ and then I’ll hold them up to the sun.
Acoustic guitars and harmonies add to the sound, and Finan’s delivery is charged with conviction in a number that although it’s moody has a very appealing melody in the chorus.
The Pop Song
Banjo and a fun beat, delightful chord combinations and a truly catchy refrain, combine to make up a wonderfully entertaining number. Harmonies are close and Paul Finan shows us yet another side to his personality, as he sings this upbeat and melodic song. The lyrics are absolutely great and involve cynicism, but with a healthy dose of cheer to give you a laugh. The guitars and banjo, along with the fast pace and busy bass line are all thoroughly enjoyable too!
Send him Down
Not for the fainthearted, this is a rage filled number with lots of bashing chords, screaming guitar notes and lyrics spat out with vengeance.
It leans towards heavy rock, with some major lead breaks and distortion packed chords crammed in and Paul shouts out like a soul possessed!
The Bumble Bee
Despite the nature of this song and it’s sarcastic lyrics, the melody line is jazzy/Blues and the chorus is delectable. Guitars are sweet beyond words, as one plays seductive chords and the other does some tricky notation. It’s a lovely and unexpected twist to this album!
Burn us all
A grey and grim number, this song has a bluesy style, with guitar riffs dramatic and yet quite magical. Vocals are superb, full of passion and extremely haunting. Instrumentally it’s a fabulous piece too.
King HeSheMe
Everything is thrown into the cauldron in this track, with Brass, Acoustic piano, guitars and lots of backing vocals to add to the dynamics. Interesting changes of key and a memorable refrain You know what you’ve done are the best moments.
But you get a variety of moods and styles coming through and there’s never a dull moment from start to finish.
Members of the new line up of More Tiny Giants are; Paul Finan- Lead vocals/Guitars/Piano/Trombone/Mandolin, Stephen Byrne-Guitar, Chris Connyngham-Drums, Rian Trench-Guitar/Piano and Ben Kavanagh-Bass.
It’s really encouraging to see this fab act keep the flag flying, when so many bands are gone from the gig scene.
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