The veteran blues artist Tomás Doncker is back with some experimental sounds. While Doncker is usually associated with the 1970’s No Wave sound, he takes on a different vibe with The Mess We Made.
The EP is certainly funky — but the message is serious as the effort takes on politically charged issues and social problems such as racism. According to the Doncker, he was moved by the recent violent attacks made against people of color.
“It all started on The day of the Charleston Massacre. Given the fact that the recent “Road to Charleston” was emotionally taxing enough for me (aka Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Ferguson, Eric Garner, Baltimore – not to mention some of the less publicized events around the country and the world), the heinous events which occurred on June 17, 2015 pushed me over the edge,” said Doncker in a press release.
“I was overwhelmed with rage, hatred, confusion and disillusionment. I had no place to put these feelings. I had no idea how to process them. So, in a selfish attempt to maintain my own sanity I did the only thing I could do — write about it. By Sunday, June 21, I had written 4 new songs. Within ten days, I had recorded the 8 songs that would become The Mess We Made.”
Songs like “Church is Burning Down,”The Revolution” and “Don’t Let Go” prove to be standouts in the 8-track effort. There’s also a cover of U2’s “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”
The former are more upbeat, taking on a James Brown-esque vibe following the theme of political criticism. The latter slows it down with a guitar and a steady drum beat. Overall, it makes a solid project. Check it out below.
Stream Tomás Doncker’s The Mess We Made
