Tal & Acacia - Wake Me

Producer: Monroe Jones, Dan Muckala, and Chuck Butler
Record Label: Essential Records
Website: http://www.talandacacia.com

Every few years - the industry goes into overdrive releasing music from girl groups.  In the mid-90’s - it was Point of Grace, Sierra, Serene & Pearl/Considering Lily, and Ashton Becker Dente.  The 2000’s saw groups like ZOEgirl, ShineMK, Aurora, and V*enna show up.  However - very few of these groups ever really stick (Point of Grace and ZOEgirl are the exception) - so why the constant need to push on us groups that likely won’t last?  Provident recently released one female duo late last year - Chynna & Vaughan.  While their music wasn’t bad - they haven’t exactly blown the doors off of the industry either.  Provident’s second female duo - sisters Tal & Acacia had their debut, Wake Me pushed back twice.  Originally supposed to be released in July of last year - the lack of positive buzz at radio seems the likely reason why the duo’s debut is just now releasing.  Like Chynna & Vaughan - Tal & Acacia are definitely a group to keep your eye on.  They’ve got a nice sound that feels like a crossing between the more commercial sounds of Colbie Callait or Corrine Bailey Raye with the artistic side of artists like Adele or Feist.  Most of the recording was produced by Monroe Jones (Third Day, Chris Rice, Ginny Owens) with help from Dan Muckala and Chuck Butler.  There’s a lot of character in the musical side of things - especially the Colbie Callait sounds of debut single “Clearview.”  “Merry Go Round” features a nice melody - but like the real life merry go round - too many listens can make on longing for another sound of some kind as the repetitive sounds get old after a while.  “Yahweh” is a nice, tender moment on the disc that features a more worshipful vibe, and the title cut “Wake Me (Noah’s Song)” features more mature lyrics.  There are definitely some mis-steps on Wake Me - such as the super simplistic and preachy “Garbage In.”  Also - the layers of vocals and strange pronunciation and intonation of the sisters can wear on the listener quickly.  In a mix playlist, they add some nice change of pace - but multiple listens through can get very weary on the ears.  Lyrically, these girls are pretty in your face about their beliefs - especially seen in album opener “Top Priority” as well as cuts like “Yahweh,” “Warrior Child,” and “Wake Me (Noah’s Song).”  Overall, Tal & Acacia’s Wake Me, while a good debut, may only be for those who have an acquired tasted for this kind of music.  It’s not for everyone.

Track listing:
1.  Top Priority
2.  Garbage In
3. Clearview
4. Yahweh
5. Wake Me (Noah’s Song)
6. Swing Song
7. Merry Go Round
8. Drifting Away
9. Walking Your Dog
10. Love’s Gonna Getcha
11. Warrior Child