Indie Rock from Tom Tikka

Tom Tikka is a former Sony/BMG songwriter celebrated for his work with Carmen Gray, who’s more recently ventured on a solo career since 2020. With two critically-acclaimed albums under his belt, This Is My Happy Face and Better Man, Tikka has staked his claim as a must-watch artist in his own right.

With a string of hit singles under his belt, recognition from press and tastemakers around the world and backed by his band, The Missing Hubcaps, Tom Tikka now brings us his latest full-length offering with the new record titled Rainbows and Dead Flowers. This stunning new album, comprised of 12 tracks, showcases Tikka’s classic songwriting talent and his ability to bring songs to life with unmatched performance panache.

The album opens with the title track, “Rainbows and Dead Flowers,” where a gentle acoustic guitar sets the stage for Tom Tikka’s elegant vocals. He delivers blissful melodies over warm piano chords and distant slide guitar tones, creating a delicate acoustic rock sound with subtle country undertones. As the drums kick in, a smooth energy envelops you, establishing an alluring and timeless sound.

With “Fire and Ice,” Tikka combines indie rock with enduring sonic charm. The track begins with the bright, lively strumming of a guitar, providing the perfect backdrop for Tom’s compelling vocals. His voice meshes with the music, drawing listeners into the magnetic quality of the song. The chorus unleashes an energy reminiscent of the iconic rock era of the 80s, where Tikka’s voice shines as he threads catchy melodies. Layered crowd-style backing vocals add depth to the composition, resulting in a fusion of classic influences and contemporary freshness.

“Hieroglyphs” introduces a funky rock groove infused with a psychedelic pop twist, thanks to the flangey lead guitar tones. Supported by the lively shuffle of drums, Tikka’s soaring vocals, accompanied by a lush choir of voices, create an infectious and energising sound.

Among the album’s highlights is “What Comes Around Goes Around,” featuring a bouncy rhythm, lightly gritty guitars, punchy drums and pulsating organ tones. Tikka’s soulful vocal delivery is complemented by a splendid arrangement of vibrant brass instrumentation.

The album concludes with “Let’s Make Love on Sunday,” a laid-back track with lulling rhythm, warm acoustic guitar and rich vocal leads. The song carries bright melodies amid a backdrop of soft backing vocals, serving as an upbeat finale to Tikka’s sensational new album.

Commenting on the record, he shares, “This album took forever to make. I started working on it in 2020. In fact, some of the tracks date back to 2018. ‘This Is My Happy Face’ and ‘Better Man’ both came out first but only because they were more straightforward to make. With ‘Rainbows and Dead Flowers’ I wanted each track to have a life of its own. Not just production-wise and musically but also lyrically. That’s why the themes on the album range from childhood to the fear of dying. But it’s not just doom and gloom, mind you. There’s a bit of sex and fun on the record too.”

Listen to Rainbows and Dead Flowers below