Australian outfit Soft Tigers have prowled into the spotlight with the release of their debut album Gospel Ambitions. The trio, originally hailing from Canberra, bring to the table an impressive debut album, boasting an original method and fresh sound. Overall, the album is eclectic, featuring rock, electro-pop, hip-hop, house and tropicalismo sounds (yes, all that in one!). Gospel Ambitions takes the listener on a musical journey, as the sound, imagery and genre constantly change throughout.

Now I must say, upon my first listen I wasn’t as immediately blown away as I may sound. The album seemed unfinished. It was like splotches of different sounds and samples all pieced together. I did enjoy hearing the fun, catchy singles M.A.R.I.A. and Mr Icecream; though I think that I was expecting the whole album to follow in the same way. After several more listens I realised that Gospel Ambitions is somewhat comparative to a new pair of jeans – you have to wear them in first before they feel right. The more you listen, the more it grows in appeal. The Soft Tigers did not set out to create a musical masterpiece, rather they have produced an album that is raw, authentic and demonstrates a love of making music. Every time I play the album, I uncover more of its hidden value. The myriad of sounds and samples melt into a weird and wonderful piece of work that in the end, intrigued me.

Different to all the electro and indie ‘trend’ tunes that seem to be flooding our ears, the Soft Tigers debut album is experimental and chaotic in its production, yet lazily serene in its delivery. The overall sound is chilled, reminiscent of a summer’s afternoon. The Gospel Ambitions musical journey further unfolds with a dash of rock. The tune Creation has an upbeat feeling that is sure to get you bopping along. In another track Karate, the trio have used hip hop and combined it with some electro-pop for a fresh sound. On a whole, the album is quite impressive. Boasting the many sounds of bicycle bells, children and laughter, drum machines, news snippets, electronic keyboards and scratch pooled with Tropicana sounds and a mixture of vocals that sway from sweet to almost screamed. Essentially, an eclectic album.

The Soft Tigers debut Gospel Ambitions is definitely worth a listen. It highlights the fact that true lovers of music are still out there making music for pure enjoyment. Try it on a lazy Sunday afternoon with a drink in hand. If you like The Rapture or Bumblebeez, then give this one a whirl.