Album Details

• Artist: Tiernan
• EP:
The End Of The World
• Label: Indie
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2008-08-04

Tiernan is a 3-piece power pop outfit hailing from the eastern reaches of Japan. Their name refers to frontman Laurier Tiernan, apparently the mastermind of the whole deal. The End Of The World is their first recorded material, a 4-song demo that offers up some pretty cool pop rock that seems to carry some of the frantic pace of life in Japan.

The band holds it's own throughout the 4 songs, showcasing their songwriting skills and easily communicated passion for their craft. "(I Pray That) You Are Okay is a nice fast-paced opener, with guitar that sounds like mandolin to my ears but is probably just an electric played very darn fast. The music is very melodic, dependent on smooth vocals and the guitar for cues. The rhythm section keeps the foundation secure, and the drumming of Toru Hirasawa in particular are a real treat to listen to. My favorite of these tracks is the closer and title song, in which Laurier invents a psuedo-armaggedon plot with the line "Arnold Schwarzenegger will be president of the United States and he will usher in the end times for the human race". Needless to say, it's fairly light-hearted, but the energy of the music is very infectious.

An admirable and well designed (the package for this demo, according to a little note included, is made entirely from used cartons and recycled paper. I've never seen a slip case quite like it) demo, The End Of The World should make some waves for the band, if not only on their home island than across the Pacific where I believe music of this nature would have just as much appeal. With the right exposure (which they're now getting some of through itunes), I could see Tiernan creating a full-length to remember. For now, this demo should satify any fan of smart and sharp power-pop. 

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