Here at the Send Me Your Ears studio today, we’ve been listening to Tillerman’s latest single, Hear Angels Cry. Out today, January 13, 2023, from the band’s forthcoming debut album.
Hear Angels Cry reflects and laments the current global politics, trends and attitudes. With both the feel of a folk song and, as it progresses, a more powerful indie rock song, this is a track which grabs your attention and runs with it.
Tillerman hail from Leeds, UK, and consists of Jon Kulczycki – Lead Vox & Rhythm Guitar, Tom Kulczycki – Drums & BVs, Shaun Mallia – Lead Guitar & Backing vocals, Iain Moyser – Bass Guitar & Backing vocals.
Hear Angels Cry comes straight in with a full band sound. Plenty of rhythm guitar fills the space and a lovely Mark Knopfler-toned incidental guitar takes a few cool riffs.
When the vocals come in, you come to realise this is a storytelling song. The vocals are distant but clear in the mix and as the song develops more vocals are added: we particularly liked the harmonies in the choruses.
As the song progresses, more guitar is added – a slightly heavier sound than the intro, and as the song moves into the guitar solo it feels as though it steps up a gear and flows effortlessly into a rock song, reminiscent, perhaps, of the Eagles. The guitar solos are well crafted with the occasional Lynyrd Skynyrd style riff and the song feels like an authentic 70s rock song. There is a long fade out on guitar solo and the listener can relax and mellow into a relaxing solo with some wonderful note choices and great tone. We noticed touches of Travis in the track too, but on the whole, it is clear that this is a band which takes inspiration predominantly from the Classic Rock era.
Ideas from our ears
A little balancing between kick and snare could be achieved with a boost around 100Hz and a surgical but fairly large cut at 190Hz. This would bring the snare more in line with the rest of the track, making it a little less dominant. A single band compressor on the top 2 octaves with a little make up gain would add some extra brightness without increasing the sibilant sounds in the vocal track. Finally, for some extra warmth and volume, a light compressor\limiter with around 4dB of make up gain. As always, these are just some ideas from our ears.
Final thoughts
For fans of 70s classic rock and blues, especially the Eagles, you really can’t go wrong with Tillerman’s latest single, Hear Angels Cry. Superb musicianship and an important lyrical message. We look forward to hearing more.