Louder Than The Music

Tina Boonstra - City of Doubt

Artist:

Tina Boonstra

Title:

City of Doubt

Type:

Album

Released:

04 Sep 2020

LTTM Rating:

Readers Rating:

(1 vote)

Your Rating:

Listen

Review

Featured on BBC Radio 6 and lauded as a Future Name by Radio 1 DJ Jaguar, Tina Boonstra's new EP, City of Doubt has been released. Combining her unique lyrical style with punchy bass lines and shimmering guitars the EP is pure alt-pop joy inspired by Regina Spektor and Sam Fender.

At first when I heard the opening single 'Out Of My Depth' I thought this is a stunning alt low-fi sounding song with a beat, but there are times during this indie rock track that I heard a few Evanescence sounding moments. The EP then moves onto the single 'What...
Read More Featured on BBC Radio 6 and lauded as a Future Name by Radio 1 DJ Jaguar, Tina Boonstra's new EP, City of Doubt has been released. Combining her unique lyrical style with punchy bass lines and shimmering guitars the EP is pure alt-pop joy inspired by Regina Spektor and Sam Fender.

At first when I heard the opening single 'Out Of My Depth' I thought this is a stunning alt low-fi sounding song with a beat, but there are times during this indie rock track that I heard a few Evanescence sounding moments. The EP then moves onto the single 'What is The Rush'. As a song this single is a slow burner, it slowly crawls from start to finish, but this isn't a negative. You are drawn into this music, you are drawn into the brilliance of the vocals of Tina. This is a thought provoking song that is allowed to be expressive without being pressured to find the cool musical hook. Tina is a real talent and I could listen to this song, and get drawn in, time and time again.

The title track 'City Of Doubt' for me has something really special going on. It falls between the pop and alt-pop sound brilliantly, and reminds me of something Haim would make, and this song really is a gem on the EP. Now the track 'More Than Your Head' has a rockier attack, I don't know if it's just me or it sounds like a mix of Lily Allen and Charlotte Hatherley? Great track.

Tina is a wonderful songwriting talent and is very different to the so called normal sounds you might hear on reviewed albums on LTTM. You know me by now, I like the unexpected, the different, the creative - and this EP has all of that. There are moments of pure heartache, like on 'I love you like sunshine in Bangor' which at times again for me sounds like something that early Catatonia would have made as a closing album song. (Have a listen to the last few songs on International Velvet by Catatonia to see what I mean by this track).

I actually think Tina has left the best till last, and 'Talk It Over' has a real swagger. You can not help but want to join in, and it might be me again, but the guitars are very The Smiths-esq. I have done a few comparisons with Tina to other artists and bands, but she makes music that is up there with these artists, yet at the same time makes music that is 100% unique to her. Tina is such a talent and needs more exposure and more fans to pick up this EP and make it their soundtrack.

Review by Jono Davies

LTTM Rating 5 Out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
More Than Your Head
City Of Doubt
Talk It Over

Video

Articles

News

Tina Boonstra Releasing New EP 'City of Doubt'

Featured on BBC Radio 6 and lauded as a Future Name by Radio 1 DJ Jaguar, Tina Boonstra's new EP, City of Doubt will be released on Friday 4 September 2020. Combining her unique lyrical style with punchy bass lines and shimmering…

Featured Album

Tina Boonstra - City of Doubt

Our Featured Album of the week is the new EP from Tina Boonstra, 'City of Doubt'.Title:City of DoubtArtist:Tina BoonstraReleased:04 Sep 2020Article: Featured on BBC Radio 6 and lauded as a Future Name by Radio 1 DJ Jaguar, Tina…