Instrumental prog-rock quartet TAUK has released its latest studio album, Equalizer, a seven-track instrumental set that returns to the band’s winding, immersive compositional roots.
TAUK, comprised of Matt Jalbert (guitar), Charlie Dolan (bass), Alric “A.C.” Carter (keys), and Isaac Teel (drums), has been experimenting with new writing styles on recent releases. On 2021’s Chaos Companion, the group aimed for chiller, more ethereal sounds. On TAUK Moore, the collaborative LP the group released with dynamic singer Kanika Moore (Doom Flamingo) earlier this year, TAUK channeled its essence into more conventionally structured songs, fitting its imaginative prog stylings around Moore’s featured vocals.
“Equalizer leans into the part of TAUK that is all about letting the compositions take you through a lot of twists and turns,” explained Matt Jalbert of the new LP. “Chaos Companion focused a lot on groove and texture and pushing ourselves to explore new tonal territories as a band. And of course TAUK Moore led us down an entirely new path. This album is a bit of a return to some of our formative writing styles.”
Unburdened by structural specifics, the quartet has a sprawling tale to spin on Equalizer. Like an adrenaline-fueled action movie, the album never breaks stride as it sprints down shadowy alleys, darts in and out of doorways, and parkours its way through a cityscape of sonic themes with athletic precision. From the Snarky Puppy vibes of “Translation” (featuring the Naughty Professor horns) to the creeping menace of “Come on Now” to the synth-rock saunter of “Sound The Alarm”, Equalizer remains engaging and exhilarating from top to bottom. Don’t bother trying to catch your breath—a new twist awaits at the end of the block.
“I’m not worrying about trying to condense the songs into a more concise statement,” Jalbert added. “All the guys in the band bring so much to the table and it’s just fun to throw some wild ideas out there and see how we all make sense of them together. These songs are about just finding joy in the wild noises us four guys can make together when we don’t set any boundaries.”
TAUK – Equalizer Cover Art
TAUK will celebrate the release of Equalizer this weekend with its second annual Oogie Boogie Nights Halloween blowout at Denver, CO’s Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom. First, on Friday, October 27th, TAUK and recent tour-mates Dopapod will perform alongside Shawarma and special guest DJ Mongo. On Saturday, October 28th, the party will continue with a TAUK Moore performance alongside sets from Dandu and DJ Sleepy. Both nights will also feature performances by Doom Flamingo. For ticketing details and a full list of upcoming TAUK tour dates, head here.
Listen to the new TAUK album, Equalizer, on the platform of your choice here or stream the full album via the player below.
TAUK – Equalizer – Full Album
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