“Alternative rock” music is an incredibly broad description for hundreds of musical sub-genres. Tanners Pool are set to broaden the horizons of this tag however with the release of their debut EP, “Out of Line,” by adding certain dimensions to their sound that others may shy away from.
In keeping with the EP’s title, the record explores themes of pushing against the grain rather than following mainstream trends we are force-fed. Opening track “Bad Advice” kicks off with Jess Ashdale’s thrashing, distorted guitar which mirrors the Arctic Monkeys’ punchy, electric sound. While on “I’m Long Gone,” the band click into a funk rock groove akin to the Red Hot Chili Peppers with an expertly delivered wah-wah laden guitar solo.
The band revert back to their rock ’n’ roll roots in “Nothing and Nobody” and “Plastic Wings,” both songs filled with fuzzy guitar riffs and pounding drums. Each track on “Out of Line” offers something different as you work through the EP as Tanners Pool impressively traverse the lines between indie rock, funk, and classic rock.
Formed in Oxford in late 2015, Tanners Pool is Matt Ashdale on vocals and guitar and Jess Ashdale on lead guitar and backing vocals. The songwriting duo had been playing and writing together for a number of years, later enlisting Seth Roberts on bass and enrolling old school friend Shoji Maeno on drums who was keen to get involved after seeing the band perform their debut show.
“Out of Line” by Tanners Pool is out now via Alt/Logic.
