Takka Takka Albums (2)
What The Critics Say
Takka Takka have clearly done some growing up in the two years that separated their debut album, We Feel Safer at Night, and their second full-length release, 2008's Migration. While there was a charming modesty to their first album that suited Gabe Levine's songs, Migration sounds considerably cleaner, tighter, and more confident, with a greater reliance on keyboards and electronics, a firmer and more adventurous rhythmic pulse, and a newly sophisticated production approach. The folk-rock influence that wove its way through We Feel Safer at Night is still there, but Migration draws from a broader and more varied palette; the spare textures of "The Optimists Were Right" suggest Brian Eno's ambient period, the casual but breezy vibe of "The Takers" recalls early Aztec Camera, and the ringing, rhythmic guitar texture that dominates several cuts makes it seem as if Rene Planchon and Drew Thurlow have been checking out some old King Sunny Ade LPs. Many of these influences seem to evaporate as soon as they come into clear focus, but there's no mistaking that steady touring and additional experience in the studio have allowed Takka Takka to take their game to a new level, and the greater sophistication and stronger craft serve Levine's songs well. Migration's melodies are every bit as strong as the songs on the debut, but the arrangements and production give them the chance to reveal more layers, and the expanded range of tonal color and imagination makes Migration a more challenging and rewarding experience all around. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide
'We Feel Safer at Night'
Release Date 9/25/2007
Tracks 13
Label Ernest Jenning
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
There's an airy simplicity and a reluctance to embrace the heavy on Takka Takka's first full-length album, We Feel Safer at Night, that has encouraged a number of folks to tag them as an indie variant on folk-rock. But if Takka Takka are folkies, it's in the same way Simon & Garfunkel were imagined to be folk -- this is folk-rock from city kids, smart and just a shade streetwise, and though Takka Takka don't seem to know how to embrace cynicism, they understand how to make like they've seen enough not to be surprised, even when the occasional moment of wide-eyed wonder betrays them. While acoustic guitars dominate most of the songs on We Feel Safer at Night and pianos, harmonicas, and muted vocals maintain a sense of musical restraint throughout, leader Gabe Levine knows how to make his songs emotionally felt without ranting or playing to the balcony, and the best moments suggest a spiritual kinship with the third Velvet Underground -- quiet but not meek, delivering the punch without leaving a bruise. While Takka Takka clearly have their sound and attitude worked out, songwriting is still something of a problem, and too many of the melodies on We Feel Safer at Night follow the same sort of gentle mid-tempo pace, so this disc begins to wear out its welcome sooner than it needs to. But there's enough heart, soul, and imagination in We Feel Safer at Night to confirm Takka Takka are on to something, and it's a strong and engaging debut from a band worth watching. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide
