The Clue - Tseem Tos

So, I finally receive a CD in the mail from one of my colleagues.  It was a CD of the band, The Clue (myspace.com/cluerocks).  The album is titled “Tseem Tos.”  I would say they are in a sub-alternative  genre.  I mean, they’re almost alternative, but with a blend of pop.  No, it’s not like those bands on the radio.  It’s kind of like… Well, the first track, “Nyiag Hlub,” starts out with a very catchy intro.  It makes when you want to hear what comes next.  The first of the vocals make me go “What’s that?”  But then I realize it was just a bad start.  Perhaps, it was bad editing?   The voice does improve as the song goes on.  It’s not the best, but I can still bear it.  It gets interesting when he says, “Kuv hais ib los lus rau koj tabsis koj twb tsis quav ntsej tabsis kuv lub siab twb tsis khes.”   My interest in the song goes away as soon as the chorus starts.   Don’t get me wrong.  The music is awesome.  However, the singing, in my opinion, does not go well with it.  The solo isn’t bad either.  I just wish it was longer.

Track 9: Tseem Tos

Their next song, “Tseem Nyob” is an acoustic orgy where you can’t manage an orgasm.  I’m a big fan of acoustic songs.  You know what I mean?  It’s like the song is almost perfect, but it’s just missing one thing, and you can’t seem to figure out what it is.  This song isn’t the best, but it’s close to one of the best.  Lyrically, it’s about waiting for the one you love.  I assume it’s specifically about having to be far away from each other and waiting for your love as you’ve promised.

Suddenly, I start thinking I’m listening to the band Reliance, another great Hmong band.  Yes, the music did sound that good.  Of course, I’m smart enough to remember that I’m still listening to The Clue.   Yes, I’m smart.  Anyway, the singing is much better than the first track.  This song is a ballad with a kickass bridge within the first two minutes .  And I do mean that in the most honest way possible.  Oh yeah, and did I mention this song is called “Hlub Rau Nruab Siab.”  The guitar solo is cool, too, and much more complex this time.  I think the song would have been perfect if they sang completely like the bridge.  It was almost like Sounders Meet Reliance.

And Nirvana?  Well, this is the first Hmong band have songs that remind me of Kurt Cobain, i.e. Nirvana.  Even the lyrics sound like something Kurt would write.  I mean, lyrics like “Txawm koj raug luag dag, mob H.I.V.”  are just so noticeable.  It sure did get my attention.  He also speaks  about  STDs.  I’m loving the vocals on this song too.   Oh, and the song is called “Txhob Tua Koj Tus Kheej.” Basically, the song is directed to someone who is trying to commit suicide after looking back at his/her life.  This is a very rare song subject in the Hmong music industry.  The vocals on this song are the best.  It’s perfect all the way through.  I must say this is my favorite song of all from this album.

Finally, we come to the title track, “Tseem Tos.”  The singing is different from the previous song.  However, the vocals are perfect for the style of singing.  It’s much softer and definitely doesn’t remind me of Mr. Cobain.  Lyrically, it reminds me of “Tseem Nyob.”  But instead of a long distance relationship, it’s more of break-up song.  He’s  simply saying that he’s waiting for her to come back and love him.  I would say that this is a good make-out and make-up song.

This isn’t a “must have” album, but overall, this album it is worth buying.  Whether you’re a fan of slow jams, alternative, or even grunge, you should definitely check it out.  And if you’re not a fan of any of the genres, you should still check it out.  

Music:  9/10
Lyrics:  5/10
Vocals: 8/10

http://www.myspace.com/cluerocks

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