A remarkably good record. Out today, Tarn PK’s latest EP feels like the work of an artist which a clear creative vision. From the bubbly, modern production, to the impressive songwriting, everything is playing in favour of the Kiwi talent. Of course, this doesn’t take us by surprise. We had already come across Tarn PK, thanks to some of his earlier 2020/21 releases. The Wellington native caused quite a stir with his biggest single ‘Cheap Ecstasy’, amassing more than 500k streams on Spotify alone.
While his focus has – for a while – been on stripped-back, intimate storytelling, favouring acoustic guitars over gritty synthesisers, the new record seems to instead be exploring a more punchy and fierce brand on indie-pop and electronica, keeping up the pace and the energy.
A 5-track EP, ‘SugarCoated’ also represents a new chapter for Tarn PK, closing the year off with big promises for his future. Introduced by ‘Blunt Force Trauma’, the musical stream thrives on mellow soundscapes and hip-hop-flavoured beats, perfectly complemented by the singer’s autotuned, heavily treated vocals. ‘Fever Dream’ raises the stakes, balancing manic hyper-pop matter against intense lyricism. Channelling influences from PC Music and Danny L Harle, the track really showcases a different side of the project, a modern version of Tarn PK that we hope to meet again in the future.
‘Simple Love’ is a trap-infused jewel, perhaps the most poppy and radio-ready song on the EP. ‘Pretty’ and ‘SugarCoated’ bring the record to a close, with the latter taking the role of lead single: a wonderfully dynamic slow-tempo ballad, drenched in electronic goodness and harmonious vocals. We like it!
Speaking about the release, The New Zealand resident explains: Although I was making an EP that was more electronic focused, it was important for it to never feel to clean. There’s a lot of distortion and bit crushing to make it feel a little messy. I was really inspired by bedroom artists who embrace the bad quality sounds of their DAW and just dial it up to 10. A lot of the sounds used throughout the project are stock logic sounds.”
“The lyrics are always important, but my aim was to capture a feeling and if the words felt right, that was better than if they made sense. A lot of the tracks err towards stream of conscious, particularly ‘Fever Dream’ and ‘SugarCoated’. It was important for me to let go of trying to say too much and just say what felt right in the moment.”
Recommended! Discover ‘SugarCoated’ EP on Spotify:
