Tomten

rady joined. The previous record Wednesday's Children was released in June of 2012. Recorded on an old 16-track Tascam in a small Seward Park studio over the course of July the year prior, Wednesday's Children is a keen plate-reverbed excursion over a soundbed of leslie organs, rhodes, chiming guitars, and 3-part harmonies. Following the release of Wednesday's Children, Tomten began work on what would be their newest release, The Farewell Party, recording with engineer/producer Jason Quever (Papercuts) during the summer of 2013 in Sacramento, and San Francisco. The singles off The Farewell Party display a stronger focus on songwriting as well as production, from the somber mellotron of "Pipe Dream Boy" to the shimmering 12 string, and bouncing hammond sound of "Mother Minnow." Other notable moments from the LP include "Thomasina", a vivacious toe-tapper that employs the splendor of brass to delectable effect, and the lonesome piano ballad "Nothin' Like Bein' No One", with its mournful strings sounding out as if from limbo. The Farewell Party will be released August 19th 2014 on Seattle label Versicolor, with a US tour to follow. Tomten's live set now features Brian Noyeswatkins, Jake Brady, and Dillon Sturtevant. You may expect to hear songs old and new, as well as a few covers pulled from the dusty shelf."

- Don Mignon (The Musician's Musician)




PRESS

"Fans of the late, lamented the Dutchess and the Duke might find some solace in their Emerald City citymates Tomten. Not that the quartet attempts D&D's dueling boy-girl campfire intimacy. Rather, Tomten shares a similar affinity for the smokiest, most world weary of all the amber-tinted folk-psych-pop made in the '60s: Between the Buttons, Songs of Leonard Cohen, Chelsea Girl. Frontman Brian Noyeswatkins sounds like Mick Jagger at his "Lady Jane"-iest, as the band traffics in lovely, organ-augmented tones that flicker like candlelight. Their album Wednesday's Children makes good on the promise of the Ta Ta Dana EP (whose title track makes a welcome reappearance on the full-length), and Tomten makes clear that they're capable of making great tunes that stand on their own strength, no references to the past required." - Portland Mercury

“This young Seattle band’s second album is an impressive set of well-crafted indie-pop steeped in the music of ‘60s girl groups and British bands, with a variety of impeccably arranged songs featuring reverbed guitars, organ, gorgeous harmonies, and catchy pop melodies.” --KEXP

“A charming stage presence, playful pop songs, and impressive musical skills. ... they know how to put a show together, and one day soon, they'll be at the top of festival bills. Go see them in the intimate venues while you can.” --The Stranger

“Tomten is one of the best young bands in Seattle ... I could feel my jaded layers peeling with every perfectly executed harmony.” --Sound On The Sound

"The young Seattle band works hard. Wednesday’s Children (is) a debut full-length album ... recalls John Cale or the tender side of Mick Jagger." --City Arts

“With a supremely catchy, well-paced set that already sounds like a greatest hits collection, Tomten has the songcraft worthy of their chosen tradition.” --Seattle Weekly