TIOGA

It’s only been a few weeks since we’ve heard something new from TIOGA. As it turns out, the Philly new wave revivalists had one more trick up their sleeves in the summer of 2019.

Here comes “Break Me In,” a lush, synth-driven new single that draws its influence from many of rock and roll’s giants. “Break Me In” combines the American muscle of Bruce Springsteen with the punch of some of The Killers’ more anthemic work (think “Tyson vs. Douglas” from 2017’s Wonderful Wonderful), tied together with the youthful spirit of 80s new wave and an underlying, vintage swagger from rock’s formative years.

Break this one in and stream TIOGA’s latest below! - Underground Music Collective

Philly rockers TIOGA are back with a new single, “Suffer.” The band describes the song’s sound as “dark neon,” which takes them into a new sonic territory. TIOGA enlisted Joe Parella of Deal Casino to produce the track, and cite influences like Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, and The Cure to that inspired them to take on the 80’s-meets-modern sound.

According to the band, “Suffer” follows an “exhausted protagonist” who’s tired of going through the motions. The song’s sense of urgency and foot-tapping rhythm counteract that mundane feeling, building the sense that something’s gonna change. Listen below.

TIOGA’s last release was their 2018 album Lodestar. The band’s next Philly show is at Bourbon & Branch on August 12. Find tickets and more information on the XPN Concert Calendar. - The Key

Philly new wave revivalists TIOGA are back, as promised, with a brand new “dark neon” single that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt a love turn sour.

“Suffer” is synth-heavy in the tradition of names such as Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Brandon Flowers (The Killers), with a prominent bass groove straight out of the Duran Duran playbook. A “Telltale Heart” swell of urgency steadily grows throughout the track’s glowing instrumental, as frontman Greg Adams utilizes a melancholy vocal to express the growing exasperation of two people on different pages attempting, in vain, to save their love from the depths.

“Suffer” was produced by Deal Casino’s Joe Parella, and has officially been released into the world. Listen below! - Underground Music Collective

Earlier this month, singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten released the incredible “Seventeen,” a song from the perspective of the 37-year-old songwriter looking back through time at her pre-adult self, imparting wisdom while also absorbing existential lessons.

The new music video from Philly modern rock four-piece TIOGA takes the opposite perspective of 20-somethings trying to enjoy the now while fearing the future. Originally heard on the band’s 2018 release Lodestar, the pulsing rhythm of “Young Man Now” evokes aughties indie dramatists Interpol and The Killers, and though the video shows them very much in the moment, in celebratory gig mode, nervous faces and scared sidelong stares betray a fear of the unknown.

As TIOGA lays it out in a press release, the song contrasts “feelings of youth and invincibility,” with “ignorance or disregard for the future, and the underlying reality of impermanence.” So though the repeated hook is “I’m a young man now,” the implied continuation of that thought is “but soon I will not be. And what then?”

Watch the video below. Tioga’s next Philly gig is a headliner at Ortlieb’s in Northern LIberties on February 9th with Saint Wilde and Pool Radio; for tickets and more information on the show, click here. - The Key

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18. Tioga – Lodestar

Lodestar presents listeners with plenty of danceable synthrock. It’d undeniably nostalgic, with prominent bass and keys that are rare to find in modern albums. Even the vocals seem to pay homage to bands like The Cure. The music here manages to transcend a few decades while still maintaining a serious tone and strong production. - Indie Vision Music

RIYL: The Smiths, The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen

Tioga’s Lodestar conjures up feelings of the 1980s and forces the comparison to artists of that era: Echo & The Bunnymen, The Smiths, The Cure, even Manfredd Mann or Springsteen. While none of these comparisons truly captures Tioga’s sound on Lodestar, there is something undeniably nostalgic about the record. Yet, through reverb-laden guitars and vocals, synth textures, and unequivocally ’80s drum tones, the band manages to establish something modern and unique. Solemn verses and vibrato galore contrast more straightforward pop choruses on many of Lodestar’s standout songs.

“Catch Me If I Fall,” “When They Find You Out,” and “Young Man Now” could easily wind up on pop radio rotations in the near future, as their hooks, choruses and refrains lure you in and command attention. While Young Man Now was released as the single, and is a thoroughly catchy, upbeat performance, the lyrical refrain (“I’m a young man now”) feels somewhat forced by song’s end. “Catch Me If I Fall,” however, naturally flows into an anthemic chorus through the slow, momentous build of the verse. “Flesh From Bone”’s opening vocal melody prompted thoughts and feelings of ’80s hits (the best I could come up with is the opening line to “Blinded by the Light” by Bruce Springsteen/Manfred Mann, hence the aforementioned comparison), but strays from this during the chorus, as a syncopated bass line adds to the dance-feel and complexity. The album goes on to close in dramatic fashion, with a memorable vocal performance on “Marcus.” The thoroughly dramatic song crescendos for its full duration and peaks with an impactful chant, powerfully culminating the 11 songs with composure.

Tioga found their stride on their first full-length, and established a danceable sound that lies somewhere between 80’s goth-pop and modern indie/synth-pop. Between Greg Adam’s moody baritone vocals, Austin Paragas’ thoughtful bass lines and winding synth riffs, Derrick Dieso’s controlled, melodic guitar playing, and Henri Tyler’s dynamic drumming (not afraid to keep things simple, or stress a melodic motif), the group’s talent peeks through. Keep an eye out for Tioga to do some big things in the near future. - Digital Wheat Paste