Tamla Kahn Band

Hammeron

A couple of months ago I entered an acoustic piece into the monthly challenge and pulled it at the last minute because it was too long.
It has now become a full song, and is on our new EP. It's called 'The Questioning'.

Mannemarak

Very nice, not my type of music but very good. I do not like the drumming much, but that is my opinion and in no way reflects on the persons skill or anything, its just me.

Otherwise, very well done ?

Bob-Dubery

Your vocalist continues to improve and extend his stylistic range. The drummer's timekeeping is way better - did you use a click track?

The main problem for me is the lyrics - mangled grammar and possible misuse of words (EG I don't believe that one averts one's eyes TO the sky). That sort of bottles up the meaning and whilst you guys know what you're singing about the listener has rather less chance of getting the message.

Averatu

X-rated Bob wrote: Your vocalist continues to improve and extend his stylistic range. The drummer's timekeeping is way better - did you use a click track?

The main problem for me is the lyrics - mangled grammar and possible misuse of words (EG I don't believe that one averts one's eyes TO the sky). That sort of bottles up the meaning and whilst you guys know what you're singing about the listener has rather less chance of getting the message.

Bad grammar and malapropisms is the main reason I cant listen to Nightwish.

Squonk

Good Stuff

Whats been said - The vocals are great, love the clean tones, some of the distortions sound a bit muddy.
The song is well constructed and I get it! ?

chris77

I'm not qualified to give an honest opinion on your music. Truth is I don't really enjoy Metal that much anymore, so every opinion I give will be tainted - regardless of how great you guys might actually be.

I will say this though: It takes a helluva lot of balls to put yourself and your music out there. But you believe in what you do. It is honest and full of integrity, a true fruit of passion so to speak. And that's what I love about it. I don't have to be a Metalhead to tell that you've got a fair bit more talent than the average player and that you're doing what you love. (It just kind of bubbles out of you hey).

So well done hey. Respect 8)

singemonkey

I was really enjoying the intro. Reminded me of this a little:

http://grooveshark.com/s/Golden+Hair/2xzp8a?src=5

But I confess I didn't follow the lyrics after the driven guitar cut in. Sounds like a good song, but without any kind of boost when the the distorted guitar came in, it seemed to drop in energy quite dramatically.

You guys always sound different, and good. This is just a production issue. When the power chords cut in, you expect the song to sound louder. When there's no volume increase, it creates the illusion that it actually got quieter.

Bob-Dubery

chris77 wrote: I'm not qualified to give an honest opinion on your music. Truth is I don't really enjoy Metal that much anymore, so every opinion I give will be tainted - regardless of how great you guys might actually be.

Well I'm not a great metal fan either. But I agree with Singe, there's something a little different about Tamla Kahn and so they can be interesting even if you're not a huge metal head.

Hammeron

Great, thanks guys! Your input is well appreciated.

@ Bob. No, no click tracks.
Could you not " avert your eyes { from the earth } to the sky?
A bit like 'showing' not 'telling'! ?

We are looking at getting into a professional studio in mid 2012, for good solid production.
But that you approve of the material itself means a hell of a lot, and saying that you think we are a 'little different' is always cool.
Will post some more tracks soon, and until then, enjoy a superb Christmas!

Bob-Dubery

Tamla Kahn 'Hammeron' McMahon wrote: Great, thanks guys! Your input is well appreciated.

@ Bob. No, no click tracks.

Then he's made some good progress.

Could you not " avert your eyes { from the earth } to the sky?
A bit like 'showing' not 'telling'! ?

"Avert", in this sense, means to take your gaze away from something. You didn't mention the earth. It's unclear and unneccesarily awkward and what if I were a puzzled listener of your CD rather than somebody you can communicate with on GFSA ?

Why not raise your eyes to the sky, or lift your gaze from the earth to the sky?

AlanRatcliffe

Not bad, but the drummer is constantly dragging the timing (he sounds almost "end-of-gig-tired" as soon as he comes in). That kills the whole song completely for me. Otherwise the distorted guitars are a bit too mushy for my taste.

IceCreamMan

I shmaak it stukkend ..... even though i prefer heavier sounds i like this ..the guitar majestically flutters in an out of the song..

grammar wtf ,malapropisms..... huh ..... seems we surrounded by inglish snobs ..... i had to look that word up :-[

FruitarGeek

Hey Tamla

I'm not sure if you intended this song to be reviewed, but I see everyone else doing it so I will jump on the bandwagon ?

Now I know exactly the thrills and process of being in a band, especially at your age (not that I am much older). I had my first band at 15, and I knew we where going to take over the world. Well, that didn't happen, in fact we broke up after yet another failed gig, so I am going to tell you what I WISHED people would tell me. So please don't think of this being mean. I like you and your stuff, and I'd like to see you going places.

1) Drummer - He is good, but I agree with Alan, he is a bit behind the beat. If you want to go to a pro studio next year, he will have to learn how to play to a click. And trust me its not as easy as everyone seems to think. All members of your band should know how to play with one, but especially the drummer

2) Bassist - Generally good, but I notice he played mostly the same riffs you did which is both good and bad. Its good cause it highlights what you playing, but its bad because it means when you not playing, the bass is not playing, and the song does not have the 'bass balls' it needs to hold it together, and sound good. So try alternate with the bassist having him play some bass lines with you guitar, but he must not always stop. The bass must go on

3)Vox - a few off notes, most noticeably at 0.24 - but he gets it right from then on. Also keep in mind, and this might upset most other band members, the vocalist IS the most important member, he has to write his melodies the same way you write guitar riffs. Once again I've been in too many bands where the first thing that came to the vocalist mind was the final thing. Pro bands never rely soley on their first idea. A good melody will hook the listner. The lyrics quite honestly don't bother me, but thats cause I don't usually listen to lyrics in a song. Its bad of me I know. BUT - I do listen to the melody. Very much actually, so its worth paying a good portion of band pracs to getting a rock solid melody.

4) Lastly - and this is personal taste, the intro was a bit boring to me. I loved it when it came in with the metallish parts. Keep the intro by all means, but just shorten it, or add something to it.

Other than that, best of luck. I truely hope you guys do well. You certinaly have the skill and energy. As I said, I am just telling you what I think, cause people neglected to tell me what I needed to hear, and thus the band fell apart partly because of that. As long as the music comes first and you having fun, then your A for away. Your guitar tone was amazing. Keep it ?

MIKA-the-better-one

I am going to tag along with that last post... not to be mean... just to give my honest opinion....
I too started out fairly young (I am still am) in a band motivated by youthful ignorance (said in the nicest of ways) however you truthfully are a far better guitarist than I was at that age......

Ok, the vocals for me are very "theatrical" which for me and alot of people will get very old very fast...... Only in the way that they lack autheticity (or it seems so)
As well as that the lyrics are a bit bland and self explanatory... not much depth.

Your guitar I like for the most part... just note in studio you will need to layer it much more especially being the only guitarist... especially on those delya parts at the beginning....

Bass.... bleh.... it was just not there.

Drums well sorry to say t lke this but he is not good at the moment..... that does not mean find a new one (although you can) but just make sure he is working double hard to get up to standard becuase the lack of experience REALLY stands out....... (I know this is harsh but it must be said)

One bit of advice for writing songs as a young band I think is.... dont dull down the youthful enthusiasm with to many "mature songs" you are young and crazy and fast and energetic... reflect that.... something older guys and girls cannot do so easly ?

And to be fair.... here is a clip of some songs I did in a younger band of mine which are TERRRIBLE...... listen and laugh.... http://www.myspace.com/iberah

FruitarGeek

MIKA the better one wrote: And to be fair.... here is a clip of some songs I did in a younger band of mine which are TERRRIBLE...... listen and laugh.... http://www.myspace.com/iberah

Ha ha Yip. And mine http://www.myspace.com/activeingredienttheband - laugh away. I know I am. I wrote the lyrics and guitar and bass parts ???

I went to a battle of a band once, they said we came second, and then the guy was like "ah, no sorry, we made a mistake. Active Ingredient in fact came LAST" hahahaha

I learnt from these experiences

Mika dude, your band reminds me of a combo of Gonzo Republic and All star funk four

Bob-Dubery

Just had another listen. Alan's right about the drums. Almost sounds like he can't count and he's reacting to what the guitar is doing instead - which means he hits the beat just a fraction behind you.

BUT it is still a step forwards, and whilst you raise your game you are retaining the things that make you sound like you - which is good.

guidothepimmp

not gonna comment on your song but I will say this about the studio..

1) EVERYONE should practice playing to a click track. Some producers insist your bit beplayed to a click track and if your not used to it, it wil be very tricky and morale sapping if you try get it right in studio. This may be of particular value to your drummer who in all likely hood will lay down the first track.

2) agreed with most, your drummer doesnt sound like he is driving the tempo, rather like he is following everyone else.

Good luck