Hustle – Tunng Hustle – Tunng

…And Then We Saw Land is the first full length album issued by Tunng in the past two and a half years, and during that time, the band suffered some inner turmoil, which resulted in the departure of co-frontman Sam Genders. Despite a hiatus of considerable length, this 11-track compilation is a really strong cohesive record that has a ton of bright spots and a more laid back approach from the British quintet.

The first three albums from Tunng featured a wider range electronic sounding folk music than the latest, a more subdued album. However, all eleven tracks are nicely arranged and composed and the sounds are still very calming. An English teacher preaching the rising action, climax, falling action format of a novel would be quite proud of the record’s structure. The opening track, Don’t Look Down Or Back, brings you into the hazy folk sounds very methodically. The album peaks right in the middle with the tracks Sashimi and Trouble, both of which are its highlights. Finally, the record concludes with By Dusk They Were In the City, which is a whirring, cheerful tune that leaves the listener feeling good.

There are only two minor negatives that come to mind after hearing …And Then We Saw Land. The track October seems wildly out of place compared to the 10 others that surround it, however, it is still a good track individually. It would perhaps be better served as a single for release a few months from now, or as part of an EP. Also, while the lyrical flimsiness hides behind by the playful of nature of some of the tracks, it can’t be masked completely and it does slightly detract from the overall enjoyment of the album. Rich sound should be complemented by rich lyrics.

This is album is a most certainly one to own. While you would have to be in a certain mood to listen and fully enjoy it for what it’s worth, it can leave the listener very satisfied. The British playfulness of The xx meets the humility and temperament of Midlake in this strategically organized, and satisfyingly serene album.  …And Then We Saw Land by Tunng gets a 4 out of 5.