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Mp3s

Mp3: The Tontons, “Sea and Stars”

Fri Apr 11, 2008 at 02:00:28 PM



At 19 or 20, Asli Omar, vocalist for local psych-blues-rockers Tontons, might just be the finest young female vocalist in Houston, possessed of pipes that can shift gears between languid breathiness and heretofore undiscovered metal-melting alloys. You can hear elements of Bjork, Billie Holiday, the Amy Winehouse family of singers (Nina Simone, Esther Phillips, Shirley Bassey), and Norah Jones, but ultimately Asli Omar sounds like Asli Omar. She has the big it factor, a voice you can instantly recognize as hers and hers alone. (Actually, and probably nobody will remember this band, but she reminds me more than a little of Melora Zaner, the singer in the briefly legendary mid’80s Nashville proto-grunge band Raging Fire.)

That said, this Zeppelin-conjuring song as a whole has the feel of a demo. There’s a nice guitar solo, but in the end the song lacks the epic finale Asli’s voice requires.

But putting on my fantasy record producer’s cap, I’m damned if I have any ideas on how I would do better by Omar’s voice. A string section? A jazz band? Dueling grand piano, played by Stevie Wonder and Donnie Hathaway’s ghost? Hmm – maybe all of that together might do. Grade: 85.7 – John Nova Lomax

Category: Mp3s

12 Comments:

dan says:

wow. maybe she should just leave the band now. save those guys some heartache.

John Lomax says:

Or maybe the band can expand its sound.

It's hard for me to explain, but Omar's voice seems to be in 3D while the band is in 2D.

Gifted young singers are at an advantage. They are born with their instrument. Of course it takes a lifetime to master, but there's a reason there's been a few kids and teenagers with lucrative careers as singers but hardly any who have done so as instrumentalists. With an instrument, not only do you have to find the right one for you and learn how to play it, but then master it.

There is no reason the rest of the Tontons can't catch up with Omar. It will take lots of hard work and dedication though.

adr says:

when i listen to this record, what I really think they could benefit from is more space. More space where there isn't either vocals or a lead guitar part, 'cuase i feel like her voice has a sheen of temptation to it, and to be tempting you need to withhold every now and then.

John Lomax says:

Good point, ADR.

Does anyone listen to music for its sheer appeal anymore? Is everyone a technical music critic? Or is that all that reads HP.com?

I'll be the first to admit I am not a musician to any degree, but I'll also admit I'm pure lover of music.

This song is hot. Asli is a pimp (given). Our good friend Chris Gray pointed this out after catching their set at the Houston Press Presents...SXSW showcase in his coverage (see HP's 25 Greatest SXSW Moments). But what's being missed is that the band is not trying to overdo their sound. Its structured, well thought out and plays well to ensure it showcases both Asli's pipes and Adam Martinez's amazing guitar work while not shoving it all down the listeners throat - because we all know we hate that. All complimented with youngsters Tom (bass) and Justin (drum), rounding out a fantastic foursome.

I can hear what you guys are saying. It sounds like she's standing in your face while the band is the back of the room, I get it. But can we at least agree this is a great track (and then go buy their EP) and agree collectively, these guys are headed towards being a premiere Houston band? So much talent, so young (17-22 years old), such a sweet (if not downright sultry) sound?

And for full disclosure, I'm just a huge fan of this band. Noting more, nothing less. I do enjoy taking their photo from time to time when publications pay me to do so. Also, Adam Martinez is also the guitarist for Studemont Project and knows more than 3 chords. (Hope this meets AssClown's disclosure requirements).

John Lomax says:

You have that luxury, Mark. I am paid essentially to be an asshole.

What's more, most bands don't get better when everybody around them is always telling them how awesome they are.

Great point, Mr. Lomax. I'll keep my job fluffer, if you'll continue to be the bad cop/good cop. Guess that's why you are a great music writer and I'm still an accountant. Have a great weekend.

dan says:

marK c. austin.... kicking arse and making friends.

dan says:

marK c. austin.... kicking arse and making friends.

Justin M. says:

So much talent, so young (17-22 years old), such a sweet (if not downright sultry) sound?

I'm actually 16, but its all good

Rocking out at SXSW before you could drive. I like it.

Kam says:

I personally love the band as a whole and its nice to hear how much they have grown!!!If Lomax had caught the TonTons(this time a year ago) he would have said that Asli was actually behind the band sound wise, but I'm glad to hear that she finally developed a more controlled usage of tone for her voice and that they are getting closer and closer to musical brilliance with every project they tackle!Good job guys keep it up!

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