The Belgian-Egyptian artist's third collection refines the practice of soul-searching as a ritual and rite.
Tamino emerges as a nuanced musical force in his third album, ‘Every Dawn’s A Mountain’. Developed across various locations—including his New York City apartment, a church in New Orleans, a studio in Brussels, and hotel rooms while touring—this ten-track LP captures a sound and vision that transcends cultures and continents. It reflects the culmination of years of musical dedication, performance, and personal experiences, showcasing Tamino at his most impactful. Discussing the title and his creative process, Tamino explains, “‘Every Dawn’s a Mountain’ felt like the only fitting choice, as these words encapsulate the essence of the album, supporting and enveloping it with their simplicity and duality. My creative process, whether in writing or recording, often resembles a challenging revelation rather than merely filling in pre-defined outlines.”
Following 2022’s ‘Sahar’, Tamino collaborated again with longtime partner PJ Maertens for this guitar and Arabic oud-driven project. A notable addition is his collaboration with Mitski, who contributes her vocals to the track ‘Sanctuary’. Their call-and-response harmonies and the tonal contrast between their voices cut through the atmosphere, delivering poignant lines such as, “Do you ache through your fight (Do you ache through your fight) / To keep the past alive / Does it still let you down.”
The album begins with ‘My Heroine’, a lullaby-like piece set to a gentle, uncomplicated acoustic guitar arrangement. This transitions to ‘Babylon’, which opens with Tamino’s characteristic ethereal drone and swiftly builds to a soaring crescendo, showcasing his remarkable three-octave vocal range. ‘Raven’ pays homage to Tamino’s heritage, utilizing Egyptian scales and soft vocals. Another standout is the title track, which starts with herminous harmonies sampled from a Belgian choir performing an old Flemish polyphonic piece, gradually evolving into a gently plucked guitar melody. It encapsulates the album's core themes: reflective lyrics of heartbreak and sorrow, a blend of European and Middle Eastern influences, intricate production, and seamless vocal performances.
A key highlight of the album is ‘Dissolve’. This nearly seven-minute piece features evocative lyrics, each infused with heartfelt vocal nuances. Tamino employs his voice as an instrument to intensify already poignant observations: “An alienated baby / Picking the street side daisies / King of a foreign country / Begging for crumbs in the city.” The song subtly critiques a chaotic world devoid of meaning, blurring the lines between dawns. Tamino also released a live version of ‘Dissolve’ that includes the sounds of nighttime New York, enhancing its emotional impact.
The album concludes with ‘Amsterdam’, a tribute to Tamino’s former home, commemorating his time at the Amsterdam Royal Conservatory. The song begins with a muffled train announcement, and in his signature style, Amsterdam embodies the character of an old lover. Tamino reflects on his past home with a nostalgic tone: “Oh Amsterdam would hold on for eight years / And when I came we dried her ocean tears.” The track pays homage to, explores, and releases Tamino’s history, carrying a message that signifies both a farewell to the past and a yearning for what lies ahead.
8/10
Words: Melvin Boateng
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‘Every Dawn’s A Mountain’ will be released this Friday.
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Tamino showcases his exceptional musical talent on his third album, ‘Every Dawn’s A Mountain.’ Created across various settings and locations—primarily in his New