Tom Tom Park is no stranger to the dance floor. Twisting and modernising disco to his whim, every song is unique and interesting while still having that core danceability that’s so pivotal to the genre. Surreal lyricism meets an infectious groove on every track of his newly released debut album, ‘Somebody Just For Me’. This sixteen (!) track album is interesting, fun, and one of my favourite releases this year.
I first discovered Tom Tom Park this past July with his release ‘You Come And Go’; the second song on this album. I was instantly hooked, the fresh take on the classic sound was awesome. Not only that, but I loved how the lyrics twisted the trope of love on the dance-floor. Eventually pushing to the point of obsession and self-destruction. Despite this, if you weren’t paying attention it’s fun and catchy – almost sickly sweet. The collaboration with Will Burton would prove to be just the first of many great songs the duo produced.
One of the integral parts of an album vs. a mixtape/EP/project (in my opinion) is a theme. Without it, a release becomes just a collection of songs. With it, however, the impact becomes greater than the sum of its parts. Tom Tom Park manages to capture the theme and create an experience better than just listening to the songs on it with this latest release. Sometimes revisiting songs later in itself, sometimes just pushing forward with his definition of modern disco ‘Somebody Just For Me’ is an awesome album through and through.
Powerful vocals are at the core of every catchy chorus and verse. Even through the thinned-out acoustic take of ‘Revelation’ they push the energy. The melodies are unpredictable, while still feeling natural and comfortable. Their versatility helped keep every new song feeling fresh and kept the energy up through the whole 55ish minutes.
Another collaboration that would be criminal to not mention is Tom Tom Park and Disc Eyes. The duo is credited with a quarter of the songs on the album, and every single one is noteworthy. Funky bass lines and thick, choir-like vocals help make them unforgettable.
What made ‘Somebody Just For Me’ one of my favourite albums was the diversity of music. As someone who was born in the late 90’s I missed the disco trend by quite a few years. Because of this, it has always been an almost unapproachable relic of a genre (and I have a degree in jazz trombone). Tom Tom Park and the myriad of artists featured breathed life into it, and utilising modern production techniques have turned it into something brand new. Never straying from the core dance elements, they have successfully made an album thats exciting, catchy, and undeniably disco. A phenomenal release, and wonderful debut to what is sure to be a fruitful career.
‘Somebody Just For Me’ brings excitement and energy to the forgotten art of disco.
INDIE TOP 39
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