Sometimes you just find music that completely speaks to you. That’s what it felt like when I found Ta-Ku. I was like ummmm, where have you been all my life? (stuffs chocolate and wine into my open mouth as I listen to Songs to Make Up To). It’s an eclectic mix that I’m sure only certain people are into but there’s one thing you can’t deny; it’s beauty. These are love songs and they are mind-blowingly good.
Ta-Ku is a musician from Perth, Australia. He started back in 2011 with an EP titled KT. His most recent album, Songs to Make Up To, serves almost as a sequel to Songs to Break Up To, which was released in 2013. When I heard these two, I thought it was the coolest thing I’ve ever heard. The songs truly live up to the title in the craziest ways. Both keeping an electronic/R&B based sound with incredible musicality. Songs to Break Up To, could almost be playing in the background as a couple fights about how they don’t make time for each other anymore, or how he’s never home for dinner, or she’s always late. The intense musical elements spark visuals in your brain, almost as if you could create your own music video just from listening.
Songs to Make Up To, is even more delightful to listen to. The song names are a true indication of what magic is about to happen: “Hopeful”, “Love Again”, “Trust Me”, “Long Time, No See”, “Sunrise/Beautiful”, “Fall4You”, “Work In Progress”, and “Down For You”. Every song makes you think of beautiful things in life and that’s how they make you feel too.
One thing that makes Ta-Ku different is that his style is unpredictable, a song can shift into something completely separate from what you just heard and it still cohesively fits together somehow; it’s incredible. “Love Again” (Feat. JMSN & Sango) is a clear masterpiece off this album. Repetitive piano chords, intoxicating vocals, and a clap beat dances in your brain making you want to make up with someone, ANYONE. The song, spanning over 5 minutes is borderline heavenly. Not to mention, the dope hip-hop drag at the end making it a true Ta-Ku song. Most songs are led with no or minimal vocals and it totally works, which is a skill in itself.
Check out this live performance of “Love Again”:
The truth is, I have too many good things to say about Ta-Ku and the way he’s building his music. It’s intricate, intoxicating, powerful, and immensely captivating. Something every artist should be trying to achieve. Touché to you Ta-Ku. Cheers to being a delicious musical force.
-Abbey
Music blogger 