The Tyde's
Go Ask Yer Dad is a three-song EP that is quite an improvement over their less-than-thrilling debut album. The title track is a four-minute blast of energy which manages to successfully blend the energetic charge of Elephant 6 bands, the melodicism of their stated influence,
Felt, and county-rock instrumentation in a way their first album hinted around at but never managed to pull off. It also helps that the song is catchier than a cold and recorded with a raw sound. Darren Rademaker's thin voice is still a liability for the group, but he seems to be singing with more confidence and tunefulness here. "Blood Brothers" is another fine track that lyrically delves into how tough yet rewarding being in a band is. Not the most fascinating subject, but the melody, Rademaker's passion, and the wonderfully cheesy keyboard solo save the day. "Play It as It Lays" is most reminiscent of the album: a mid-tempo track with Rademaker's whiny vocals way out in front of the pleasant melody and uneventful arrangement. Fans of the new wave of country-psych who were let down by the Tyde's album should find much here to give them hope for the group's future. Those who did enjoy the album will find this to be even better (for the first two songs, anyway). ~ Tim Sendra