Tamar Berk - Tiny Injuries

Released: 18 Aug 2023
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Tamar Berk, from California, is back with a new album. It is more wonderfully heartfelt and melodic guitar pop, as you would expect. Her sound brings to mind the 90s alternative pop/singer-songwriter of Aimee Mann, Liz Phair e.t.c. 

The album opens with 'If U Know, U Know' which is brilliantly catchy and anthemic. There are some superb guitar solos towards the end.

Other highlights include 'Whats Become of Me, My Friend' which is a stripped back and melancholic piano ballad. The lyrics are very honest and it is an emotional listen.

'Permanent Vacation' is another favourite here and is uplifting and Summery. 'Drop In The Bucket' has plenty of attitude and more edgy, heavier sounding guitars. It still has the memorable hooks of Power Pop.

'I Was Saved By The Beauty in the World' is a highly emotional song, reflecting on life. There are some philosophical and thought-provoking lyrics - "We're all just precious stones, floating down the river, going home."

A superb album, full of well-crafted guitar pop anthems. Highly recommended Summer listening. 

Tamar Berk - Start At The End

Released: 22 Apr 2022
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Tamar Berk, from California, is back with her second album, after her superb debut last year. It demonstrates more wonderful guitar pop, with plenty of great hooks and energy.   

The album opens with 'Your Permission' a moody ballad about a problematic relationship. It is instantly memorable with later Beatles vibes.

'Tragic Endings' is upbeat and anthemic, with melancholic lyrics. - "I read the endings of books before I even turn to the beginning. My heart can't take surprises anymore. I'm losing faith in happy endings." 

Other highlights include 'Alone Tonight' which is superbly melodic, heartfelt guitar pop, with hints of Aimee Mann. There are some excellent guitar solos towards the end. 'Real Bad Day' is brilliantly catchy with a slightly heavier Punk edge. 'Just Be' is another standout and is more acoustic sounding with country vibes.

A hugely enjoyable album, and perfect Summer listening. Highly recommended.

Tamar Berk - The Restless Dreams of Youth

Released: 26 Feb 2021
Label: _
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Tamar Berk, from California, makes her solo debut and it is a wonderful listen, full of guitar pop gems.

Her sound is reminiscent of the  early 90s and brought to mind artists such as Juliana Hatfield and Liz Phair.

It opens with 'Skipping the Cracks' which is brilliantly upbeat with great pop hooks. The theme is looking on the bright side of a breakup.

'Shadow Clues' is a lot darker and heavy sounding, with suspense running throughout. There aren't many lyrics so it is kind of hypnotic, and about barriers in a relationship. 'A New Case' is a beautiful, piano driven ballad with some heartbreaking lyrics - "There's nothing I hate more than you seeing me this way. I'm nothing more than a lump of clay."

My favourite here is 'Better Off Meditating' which is more energetic guitar pop. It has a slight punk edge to it and a chorus you will be singing along to.

Other highlights include 'Heavy & Abusive' - a sad song about fear of saying the 'wrong thing' to a short tempered partner. 'Til I've Won', is a heartfelt love song with some beautiful melodies and superb vocals. 'In The Wild' is more hook filled, Summery pop. It ends on 'Suitcase & Gun', a slow song about trying to escape from somewhere, with vivid lyrics.

A fantastic debut and a hugely enjoyable listen. Highly recommended.