Persimmon’s album Tomorrow Morning has me laughing and reminiscing
Words by Nino Xu (Radio Control volunteer host)
Persimmon are a jangle-pop band of Te Papaioea cuties, who have just released their debut album Tomorrow Morning. My first time hearing Persimmon was at Swampfest 2023, at The Stomach. The band left a unique impression, as their vibe was so mellow and relaxed -- one of the guitarists was even performing in Crocs. The first two songs on the album are True Crime and Public Transport, and they brought me back to that live show. The relaxed rhythm guitar was there, and Persimmon’s sensitive but catchy depiction of everyday life stood out.
As an international student, I initially thought the song titles indicated serious themes, but I came to feel like there was some dark humour to it as well. Cleaning Graves gave me the same feeling, but the lead singer's voice isn't as soft here as in the previous tracks. Again, it has a serious title, but the lyrics are sometimes amusing. Elements of dark humour in songs about separation and death might be a way to alleviate the sadness in life. Incidentally, the Main St Cemetery mentioned in this song was the first place that left an impression on me when I arrived in Palmy. I might play this song whenever I visit a cemetery in the future.
Another song that left a deep mark on me is New Year. This returns to a softer style and unfolds with a slow narration of New Years celebrations and separation from friends. Perhaps it resonates with my own experiences of recent years, constantly moving and saying goodbye. The repeated line in the song, "I guess we can never go back there now," evokes a sense of helplessness.
Although my initial impression of Persimmon was light and cheerful, listening to the entire album I feel that it mostly depicts themes of growth, changes in identity, farewells and death. However, Persimmon don’t overly wallow, I can still nod along to the fun melodies. Imagining the scenes depicted in these songs reminds me of Richard Linklater's films, probably because of the band's rambling style which is quite similar to his storytelling approach.
NZ Top Ten 08.08.24
#HITPICK – KOMMI, Infectiouss - Tāiro (feat. Marlon Williams)
#1 – Polaroids of Polarbears - When you're falling Awahuri Road Part 2
#2 – SGP – Sour (live)
#3 – Persimmon – Cleaning Graves
#4 – Pining Radiata – Forget
#5 – BROWSER GAMES – MAGGOT
#6 – Carb on Carb – Home Again 7
#7 – Tū ViBe - Tio
#8 – Death and the Maiden – 364.1
#9 – Maeve – Lone Rider
#10 – Just George – She Won’t Go Quietly