Yorkshire 5-piece unveil new garage punk/pop sounds on Reckless Yes Records
After having their track ‘Bad Women‘ featured on a recent Reckless Yes Records compilation album, ‘Among The Wildflowers‘, Tiger Island were more than happy to get the long player treatment with their new album ‘Let’s Go Out‘ on that very same label. This ethical/independent label partnership is a marriage made in heaven for Tiger Island, and the feeling is mutual. “We knew we were ready to open the next chapter of Reckless Yes Records when we saw Tiger Island play in Sheffield,” label co-founder Sarah Lay says, “Frenetic, fierce and funny. They have a rock snarl and pop sensibilities”.
This album follows hot on the heels of the band’s self-released 2024 EP, ‘Looka Looka Looka‘, and was recorded with Ross Halden at Hohm Studios in Bradford, with additional work recorded at guitarist Matt Colmer’s studio in Shipley.
Tiger Island are:
Penny Brazier – Lead vocals/Guitar
Matt Colmer – Guitar/Vocals
Kath Hartley – Synthesizer/Vocals
Matt Perrot – Bass
Kev Sanderson – Drums
Tiger Island say they have many influences, including the likes of Hot Snakes, The Murder City Devils and Wipers, but also take from the poppier sounds of The Cars, B-52s and Blondie. This sounds like a tantalising mix to these ears, so get ready to read my review of these 10 quickfire songs, clocking in at just under 31 minutes!
The opening track, ‘Comments Boy‘ wastes no time in getting this party started. It’s a garage-punk infused song that reminds me of Split Dogs. The guitar line could almost belong on a Deadline album from the early 2000’s. It’s a catchy little number with keyboards glueing it all together in the land of rock-out. The band say that this song is “a musical version of a mate, that is telling that loser that is bothering you to fuck off (with a smile)”.
‘Climbing The Walls‘ covers the subject of trying to cope with a toxic relationship, whilst losing your sense of self-worth in the process. Bass and drums inhabit the intro to this sultry song, along with an 80s keyboard sound that brings the band’s Blondie influence to the fore. It’s a song that may also contain traces of No Doubt in its style. ‘Climbing The Walls‘ is a very well constructed song (like the majority of this album) and it’s multi-layered too. I really like this song, and predict big things for this band on the back of it.
‘Guilty Pleasures‘ is straight out of the early New Wave years, and in old-speak terms, I can imagine cutting a rug to this, as bass and drums form the tune’s breakdown before Tiger Island proclaim, “You Do You!” as the song draws to a close. ‘Sea Of Something‘ is another song about toxic relationships, but there’s almost something euphoric about the chorus, as they sing “We danced in the clouds, on the edge of the sky”. Indie-rock is its styling, complete with a dramatic, soaring guitar line that I love.
‘Not Dead Yet‘ has a pop edge but counteracts that with some swift F-bombs. It almost reminds me of The Hives, and it’s a high-energy piece of music that I would imagine would be fun to witness live. Tiger Island say “Don’t you forget” during a minimalist mid-section of the song, before rocking out to the maximum:
‘Animal‘ begins with a retro keyboard sound that is soon accompanied by choppy guitars and a chunky bassline. It’s a song about the perils of ‘tech bro’ culture, and it’s a subject that certainly needs addressing. I can imagine people losing their shit to this on the dance-floor.
‘Find Out Who You Are (And Do It On Purpose)‘ starts with a floor tom that is soon accompanied by a chugging rhythm to nod your head to. “I put my heels on, to get closer to heaven,” Penny Brazier sings. Handclaps suddenly appear too, possibly for the happy clappers in the room’s benefit? ‘Co-Pilots‘ is a song about the value of a friend’s support during grief, and this tune appropriately sounds like a melancholic one. “I can’t explain it, it’s complicated” the band sing, as 60s keyboard sounds permeate my speakers. By the end, Penny’s vocals wash over you, as she sings “it just falls away.” One of the album’s highlights for me:
‘Dangerous‘ could definitely be a future single for Tiger Island. It has elements of new wave and rock in its recipe, and it’s a very catchy number about the damaging effects of self-isolation. “Don’t call me again, I could be dangerous,” they warn.
The closing song on the album is ‘Meet Me At Midnight‘, which starts atmospherically, before choppy guitars weave themselves between a driving bassline. A song that also stresses the importance of friendship. This time, in support of a mental health crisis.
Tiger Island are a band I wouldn’t necessarily have come across on my musical travels, but I’m glad that I did. I don’t know much about the more modern bands they are influenced by, but for me, 70’s and 80’s New Wave shines through (and that’s a good thing).
‘Let’s Go Out‘ has a poppier appeal too, and the whole album is very well produced and put together. If you had told me Tiger Island were from the States, I wouldn’t have argued with you, but with this release, they prove that Yorkshire has definitely got the chops! Time to go out, and buy yourself a Tiger Island record.
Out on 19th June 2026, you can buy your copy of ‘Let’s Go Out‘ HERE (also on CD and digital download)
Catch Tiger Island live:
19th June – Little Buildings, Newcastle
20th June – album launch party, Wharf Chambers, Leeds – TICKETS
1. Comments boy
2. Climbing The Walls
3. Guilty Pleasures
4. Sea Of Something
5. Not Dead Yet
6. Animal
7. Find Out Who You Are (And Do It On Purpose)
8. Co-Pilots
9. Dangerous
10. Meet Me At Midnight
Follow Tiger Island on Their Socials:
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I have been writing reviews for Brighton & Hove News, and more recently Vive Le Rock magazine for a few years now. Previously, I could be spotted playing drums for many a band over the decades. A noisy habit developed whilst wearing short trousers at school, and one that has had me touring around the UK and Europe. Punk rock is my life, but I am also quite eclectic. I am an avid gig go-er and music devourer, and can feel out of sorts if a gig date is not on the horizon. I have also been known to put gigs on myself in order to fill those gaps.
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