Tiny Masters of Today – Skeletons

At first glance Tiny Masters of Today might sound like a bit of a dud name for a band. But it couldn’t be more accurate if they tried ”“ they are tiny, and as a result they are most certainly today. TMoT are brother/sister combo Ivan (15) and Ada (13). Yes, that’s right, 15 and 13. Very, very tiny.And whilst it’s probably a bit wrong to judge music on the artist’s age, it is quite frankly unavoidable here. I listened to Skeletons before researching the band, and thought that is was a bit juvenile, simple, and unaccomplished. However, chuck a 15 and 13 year-old into the mix, and juvenile seems very fitting, and the whole thing becomes a bit more endearing.This is in fact their second album, and the experience of having a debut under their belt shows - they’ve completely nailed their sound and know how to achieve it consistently throughout the album.There’s a strong New York punk sound running through the album, as well as scuzzy rock feel, and a call and response singing style similar to The Ting Tings. There’s also a strong Yeah Yeah Yeahs influence, so it’s unsurprising to hear that TMoT co-wrote some of their first album with Karen O.As for the lyrics, well let’s just say you’re not going to uncover the meaning of life in them. But conversely it’s not all about Gossip Girl or whatever your average American teenager talks about, but more abstract, tapping into that sense of rebellion and despondency teenagers pull of so well. The odd cultural reference does invariably creep in though ”“ 'Abercrombie Zombie' pays homage to that wondrous homework helper that is Wikipedia, and is undoubtedly a thinly veiled dig that that particular preppy clothes wear brand and those that wear it. It’s slightly less convincing when sung in a high-pitched child’s voice though.Rarely clocking in at over two minutes, these songs are short bursts of chaotic, energetic, percussive rock, perfect for indie dancefloors.So Tiny Masters of Today - definitely tiny, but in stature not in sound. Yes, it sounds like a 13 year-old and a 15 year-old, but a pair that are strong musicians and song writers, and are making no attempts to punch above their weight. 62% Tiny Masters of Today on MySpace