Tal & Acacia

If it’s a crime to be perky and infectious, then these two sisters, Tal and Acacia, had better be looking over their shoulders because, when it comes to being perky and infectious, they’re guilty as charged. Of course one man’s ‘perky’ is another man’s ‘annoying,’ and you’ll either love this intelligently written, brilliantly produced pop music or it just might drive you crazy.

Just for the record, Tal is the somewhat sultry brunette and Acacia is the blonde that looks like she could be Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson’s long-lost third sister (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Being twenty-something and attractive certainly isn’t a bad thing in the music biz but thankfully, Tal and Acacia have talent and originality besides, and have produced a uniquely engaging collection of pop songs with a spiritual edge on their debut project, Wake Me.

Within the first few moments of the opening track, the simple poppy – but – profound, “Top Priority,” you get a capsule view of what you’re in for: a very sixties-inspired album of well-produced pop songs with distinctly Christian content, delivered by two sisters whose unique vocal style(s) alternately give the project a sense of great fun and spiritual intimacy. It would be impossible to describe the girls’ vocal style without using the word ‘quirky,’ so let’s get that out of the way. Pop songs with quirky vocals that fall (are you ready?) somewhere between Nelly Furtado and The Caravelles (“You Don’t Have to be a Baby to Cry” – 1963). The truth is, the girls sound exactly like who they are, and deliver the upbeat songs with a great sense of fun, and the slower, more orchestrated songs, like the powerful “Yahweh,” and “Warrior Child,” with a breathy passion that stands out all the more for contrast.

Most of the songs on Wake Me are deceptively simple but full of the siblings’ personalities and the creative pop settings of producer, Monroe Jones (two songs, “Garbage In,” and “Yahweh,” are produced by Dan Muckala and Chuck Butler). The music works best when featuring acoustic guitar, ‘real’ drums and electric bass, augmented by acoustic piano and spare use of electronic and studio effects. Electronics are present – not enough to bring anything into the electronica category, but enough to keep the album living in today’s soundscape, while still honoring the pop sounds of the sixties. Even a somewhat passé theme like the one used in “Garbage In” (you’ve listened to CCM – figure it out) is rescued by better-than-average, very honest lyrics and a heartfelt bridge that elevates the song and sets it above the usual ‘Christian music’ fare. Listen carefully and you’ll hear some good melodies and some nice vocal phrasing that suggests that Tal and Acacia have invested some real musical knowledge in creating these very infectious and hook-laden songs.

Like the titles imply, “Merry Go Round,” and “Love’s Gonna Getcha,” echo the ‘bubble-gum’ genre of the sixties, albeit with infinitely more substantial lyrical content. Musically, these tracks represent the most stylized aspect of the project, the musical polar opposite of the aforementioned “Yahweh,” and “Warrior Child.” The ladies even go the Fleming and John route on the slightly-angry relationship song, “Walking Your Dog.”

A careless listener might make the mistake of thinking that this was a simple pop album, but that would be unfortunate, since there are many levels to this very commercial, very catchy, very savvy debut by a duo that could certainly have a very bright future – Tal and Acacia. Wake Me is a very good pop album.

…not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Tagged as: Tal & Acacia, Wake Me

↓ 6 comments

#1 John Wofford on July 6th, 2009 at 3:22 pm

Bert, you referenced Seinfeld.

And for that, I salute you.

#2 Bert Saraco on July 7th, 2009 at 3:26 am

‘glad you picked that up.
I used to quote “Plan 9 From Outer Space” most of the time, but there aren’t as many Ed Wood fans…..

#3 John Wofford on July 7th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

Sorry for neglecting to comment on the rest of the review, but while I’ve heard this album, I’ve not listened intently enough to formulate any final opinion.

Plan 9! Finally, a fellow dork.

#4 Andrew Greenhalgh on July 10th, 2009 at 3:56 pm

Bert, I couldn’t agree more. Once I got past the first two tracks (”Garbage In” almost made me stop right there) I was pleasantly surprised with what I heard. These girls will do well if they can get some legs on radio. Good stuff…

And I guess I’m part of the geek squad too. Plan 9 is one of my prize possessions in my movie collection…

#5 GRACE S CARTWRIGHT on July 14th, 2009 at 3:21 am

whew sorry guys…i have to disagree. i was totally disappointed in this album. total regina spektor rip offs…

#6 Jessica on February 4th, 2010 at 9:16 pm

I only listen to CCM and I love that this CD is just fun. I love the message of “Yahweh” and Top Priority, Garbage In, and Merry-Go-Round of Life are just fun to listen to. I wasn’t looking for a life changing CD when I purchased this. Sometimes it’s nice to just have a fun CD to listen to.

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