CHICAGO COLLECTIVE SON TENSEI DROPS ECLECTIC NEW ALBUM ‘SON IS DIFFERENT’
Tons of incredible music come out of the Windy City. Chicago’s local scene acts as home to nearly every genre under the sun, from soul to DIY punk to Midwest emo. These influences have given rise to a multitude of different projects, such as the Son Tensei collective, comprising a local extended family. The group has been creating music together since 2010, and they still haven’t run out of ideas. Their latest record, Son Is Different, certainly earns its name. The mixture of sounds, textures, and ideas is a lot to take in; yet, Son Tensei manages to pull it off. The right audience exists for Son Tensei, especially among Chicago's nightlife scene, where experimental music wins the hearts of most patrons. Son Is Different isn’t for everyone; though, that’s likely the point, as Son Tensei is expressing what they feel without caring too much about what the audience does or does not follow.
As a literary analyst, I appreciate this kind of stuff, even if it’s not music that would make it in my regular rotation. Of course, not everything is made for me, which is why I’m able to find nuggets of magic in most music, mainly things I wouldn’t normally gravitate towards. With Son Is Different acting as a perfect example, I can appreciate its creative vigor. Son Tensei has a knack for incorporating soulful elements without veering too deeply into cliché. Instead, they let the music take them wherever feels most natural in the moment. There’s an aura of spontaneity within the record that stands out, almost as if the group is writing everything in a stream of consciousness style. The instrumentals feel concise, but they still carry that spontaneous energy that the lead vocals and lyrics do. Many collectives get their best material out of jam sessions without rules. It seems that Son Tensei is no exception.
The free-spirited record features small tidbits of inspiration, such as “Tranquil Skies,” which is a standout track. Somehow, each of the songs sounds like it should be included in the LP, though there isn’t much rhyme or reason behind the making of it. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; rather, an outlet for creative expression. This group thrives in situations where they can say everything that’s on their mind, even if it’s a bit eclectic. With one simple word to describe the LP, “eclectic” still doesn’t feel like enough. Sure, it’s messy, but the heart and soul behind it make it digestible. The vocal mix is a bit rough in every track, even standout ones like “Tranquil Skies.” That is not to say that Tensei lacks vocally. He is an incredibly skilled vocalist who doesn’t restrict himself to any particular style, tone, or technique. Occasionally, this causes him to veer off tempo or key—but these imperfections often coincide with the grooving tracks.
Moments in “MEOW” made me question the artistic direction behind the record, if there was one. I love it when artists create whatever they want without worrying about what happens afterward. However, there were some songs, like this one, that made me wonder what their creative process was like. Much of the album has depth, weight, and meaning; perhaps “MEOW” was simply a time to let loose a bit from the deeper conversations within the other lyrics. I’ll admit, it’s very catchy and fun; I think I just questioned its place on the album. There is potential within each of the tracks, even those where I have a difficult time making sense of it. Again, I am not the record’s target audience, but I believe Tensei has a ton of potential that could benefit from constructive feedback. They understand musical nuance in ways that most don’t, which adds to the confusion that emerges from new audiences who don’t quite “get it” yet.
Though I’m sure once I’m immersed further into Tensei’s world, I’ll question their choices significantly less. There are already plenty of things that they’re doing right, like free-flowing expression and soulful lead vocals. However, I think if they merely polished some things up, including blending some layers in the mix, their next record will be even stronger. Son Is Different will fare well in a Chicago nightclub or bar, but with a few improvements, they could take their collective vision far beyond Chicago nightlife. Of course, no one has to listen to the input of just one music critic. Many of the details I have outlined are technical aspects that will help expand their work. Still, it would be a disservice to musicians, fans, and critics alike not to offer them this feedback, as I’m not sure they’re getting it anywhere else. That said, I would love to catch Son Tensei the next time I’m in Chicago, slice of deep dish in hand.