Tuck

Sometimes I feel so horoured to be given the task of listening to new music, and in turn, lending a few words
of praise where they are due. With this first full length by Vancouver's Tuck, titled Lullabies and Other Lies, I
heap kudos by the truckload.

It's rare that an album pulls me in at first blush, but Tuck has a special quality to it that warms me to the cockles
and charms me to no end. With its rich beauty and solid backing of seasoned musicians, featuring members of the Parlour
Steps, The Phoenix Chamber Choir and The West Coast Symphony. Tuck brings forth a collection of songs culled from the
progressive classicfolk-rock songbook.

The album opens on a strong note with the instantly catchy "Watering Line". It is a bouncy little number showcasing sweet
vocal harmonies, warm organ backing, full bodied strings and a little clarinet for good measure, all tied together with
Amos Ashurst's unique sand-dosed manuka honey vocals. It's a steady incline from here as the album gently winds through
phases of rock, blues and a quaint, almost campy vibe in its folk element. This is a great debut and a welcome addition to
any music collection. - The Skinny Magazine

"TUCK: Now here's a band with some smarts behind it. Jay Ashurst (vocals), Amos Ashurst (guitar, vocals), Jessica Werb (cello, saw), Kim Stewart (bass, vocals), and Rob Linton (drums) write some of the city's most intriguing, intelligent, and downright listenable songs this side of Sigur Ros."

Ferdy Belland- Journalist for the Nerve Magazine - Ferdy Belland

Sharing members with Parlour Steps, the West Coast Symphony and the Phoenix Chamber Choir, Tuck consists of frontman Amos Ashurst (guitars, vocals), Jaime Ashurst (vocals), Jessica Werb (cello), Kim Stewart (bass, vocals), and Rob Linton (drums). Two of Tuck’s members have spent time in the past writing and playing music with Sarah Neufeld of Arcade Fire, and this impressive musical background shows. With an eccentric and progressive folk rock sound, Tuck’s first full-length album “Lullabies and other lies” is a solid effort, drawing strength from Ashurst’s distinctive vocals (incredibly similar to that of Michael Stipe), Werb’s mood-setting cello, the group’s warm vocal harmonies and the occasional dab of clarinet. Produced by Juno award-winning producer Steve Dawson, the album was released in November of 2008 on Copperspine Records, and on May 21st the group took the stage at the media club to celebrate.

Opening the set with the song “Sunlight,” which does not appear on their debut album, it becomes quickly evident that the small, but friendly and enthusiastic crowd is in for a great show. Taking swigs of a beer that he has placed in a nifty cup-holder attached to his microphone stand, Ashurst immediately proves that he has a voice, and the songwriting capabilities worth remembering. While his voice draws striking comparison to that of REM frontman Michael Stipe, Ashurst is not without originality, finding warm, incredibly moving moments while also injecting a sense of urgency and almost anger into his song at times. Moving on into the evening, the group found a strongpoint with the first track off their album, “Watering Line.” With a cello part that compliments the upbeat ballad perfectly, and moments of clarinet that seem to flutter effortlessly above the enchanting tune, creating a very atmospheric and almost nostalgic feel that leaves you with butterflies in your stomach, it was catchy and moving, and noticeably captured the attention of the audience. One of the last songs of the evening, titled “Until its over” (fondly nicknamed ‘clappy’ by the group) provided for a great end to Tuck’s set. Containing great elements of percussion similar to that often showcased by groups such as The Most Serene Republic, the whole group claps throughout while Ashurst and the other vocalists lay down chilling, melancholic harmonies. Unfortunately Ashurst notified the crowd that it isn’t his favourite, and it would be the last time the group would be performing the song, and he instructs us to “buy the CD if you want to hear it again,” which is a real shame for such a great piece. Overall, Tuck’s performance was a solid and consistent effort, showcasing the great song writing talent of a group of seasoned musicians. It is a real treat when one experiences a new, original sound and Tuck delivered admirably.

- Ronatron