The Naked Tungs: Hear It Calls EP Review

By Holly Hearn
Music Journalist

Artist: The Naked Tungs
Album: Hear It Calls
Release Date: May 2017
Website: https://thenakedtungs.wordpress.com

Very rarely does an EP leave listeners as fulfilled as The Naked Tungs most recent release, Hear It Calls. Often the brevity of an EP is a limitation to listeners trying to delve into the music; however, The Naked Tungs offer rich psych-rock sound and dreamy vocals in longer songs, just enough to satisfy in five tracks.

Although the four-piece group officially formed, recorded and released their debut EP in less than five months, The Naked Tungs sound as if they’ve been together for much longer. Hear It Calls opens with “Someone Else,” featuring Sarah Ronan’s long drawn out vocals reminiscent of Courtney Barnett. Ronan’s even repetition asking “How could that be me?” is offset by Hersh Cohen on a shrieking lead guitar. Cohen compliments Ronan’s vocals extremely well in “Hear it Calls,” a track that clearly demonstrates the groups’ Parquet Courts influence. The last track, “It’s Alright” includes quick, jolting percussion followed by heavy, head-banging cymbals. The five tracks included on Hear It Calls are an amazing synthesis of psych rock, garage rock and post-punk revival that leave listeners satiated.

Although The Naked Tungs are based in Austin, all the members migrated to central Texas from Florida. The Naked Tungs are currently touring around Austin, Texas and will play a show at Cheer up Charlie’s November 21.