Tumbler's 'Come to the Edge' is on the Edge of Brilliant

Tumbler is a Brit Alt-rock group featuring the family Grace: Harry Grace and his father Richard along with producer and guitarist Dave Needham. Their new release ‘Come to the Edge’ features songs that rock along while delivering meaningful, never-predictable lyrics by vocals that ooze alt-cool. Both the songwriting and the musicianship is refined and refreshing.

The first song “Black Sheep” is one of the best on the album, but the album is loaded with “bests.” It opens with a percussive rhythm guitar. “Baa Baa black sheep have a little wool? You can stay up late, just don’t fall off the wall.” And with that first line, it is clear that lead singer Harry Grace is special. His voice is down-right perfect for this genre. It has just the right amount of edge and warmth. Staying away from formulas, fans of indie and alternative will be elated to discover Tumbler. “Don’t Take Much” talks about the hardships of love when you worry that things "just don’t feel right. The chorus is catchy with just the right amount of pop-rock, “Just let it flow. Trust and let go. Oh babe love’s stronger than you and I know.” Great low-range harmoies end out the song. Next track is “Falling.” Harry hits his higher range with good emotive stamina in lines like “Oh my God, say it again.” The lyric content is developed and thoughtful. “All these individual moments, Are just components that all link back to you.” The song is encased by a question, used as musical bookends, “What does it mean to say you’re falling?” The writing goes on to examine the feeling of falling in love, of the “ecstatic electricity between us when we speak.” Like the the song itself, Tumbler has components that all link back to great song-writing. “Nothing to Hold You” feels like a sing-a-long with its folk-pop vibe. “Got nothing to hold you. I can’t keep or control you. Oh lady I’m sold on you. But all the same it’s goodbye.” The “Sweetest Thing” is reminiscent of the Beatles. It’s a charming love song that puts a smile on your face as it skips along complete with “Doo-doo-be-doo-doo-doo’s.” Tumbler can paint a story with their music which is heard in the song “Winter Cold Heart” which paints an emotion, "a silent empty night of silvery moons, massive skies, lakes of ice, and freshening breezes." Mid-way you are treated to a crying guitar solo that will make you shiver.

The song "Joanne" caught my ear with its gorgeous opening, an angelic choir. Harry’s voice is stunning. The song melts the heart. “Doors are broken and swing in the wind. For every ending there’s surely time to begin.” There’s a solo that sounds like a hybrid mix of guitar and violin because it cries. And when the lyrics talk about the silence of the wind on the battlefield, the percussion mimics a war snare.

The album ends with the rock anthem “Freedom the Cry.” Tumbler writes about losing the freedom to live your own life. “Follow the crowd. Choose safety, choose easy. Lose all you are meant to be Follow the crowd." It’s an appropriate ending to an album that’s all about a band who chooses not to follow the crowd; a band who chooses not to be formulaic or predictable; a band who is all about music that dives deeply into stories and emotions instead of playing it safe and easy. Tumbler is in a league of their own and they hit this one out of the park for originality, production, songwriting, vocals and musicianship.

To hear more music by Tumbler check out their website.