Review: Tom Tikka ‘Rainbows and Dead Flowers’
From the long-celebrated award-winning songwriter Tom Tikka & the Missing Hubcaps comes their latest album, Rainbows and Dead Flowers. Heartfelt music fused with irresistible hooks, Tikka’s vocal has a kind of healing power that brings people together, and the music he wrote is full of emotions and catharsis. The former Sony/BMG songwriter is best known for his work with Carmen Gray.
In 2020, Tikka embarked on a solo career and has since released two highly acclaimed albums and a handful of hit singles. “Doormat” and “With Eyes Closed” topped the South African rock chart while his latest singles claimed spots on the UK charts.
With beautiful harmonies woven into illuminating soundscapes, uplifted by rich backing vocals, the title track immediately is a wonderfully crafted haunting masterpiece. The tracks in this album are the kind of songs you’d hear at the height of an emotional momentum in a movie. Tikka conducts such power in his songwriting that it’s hard to not feel anything while listening. It’s the kind of music that touches you spiritually and emotionally.
“Fire and Ice” showcases its adventurous spirit, coming to listeners with a hint of spiciness and openness. In a mixture of cool and heat, the song blossoms in a broadening sonic landscape, yet the uniting and almost tear-jerking quality of the song unmistakably reminds you of Foo Fighters.
“Hieroglyphs” is a track you instantly fall in love with on its first note. It’s driven and fierce, laced with contrasts and tension of rock n roll. “We Won’t Be Dust” slows down the peace and sees the intertwining of introspection, evoking a sense of stillness amidst movement. “Something New” on the other hand, is like Ed Sheeran meets The National with master storytelling and genuineness.
Woken up by a groovy dance beat, “What Comes Around” shakes things up with a retro aesthetic and vibrant colors. The vocal almost has a hint of Elvis Presley in its wildness and mystery. “Let’s Make Love on Sunday” then gets you in reminiscence of the Beatles.
If anything that comes to mind at the end of the album, it’s that Tom Tikka makes really good music. He has a natural charm that brings people together through the form of music.
