a sea of ironic mustaches riding bicycles over bridges with Dad's short-shorts and something that is so underground that it hasn't even been written or whispered about mixed with a floor tom being hit with a mallet by someone who has no business doing so, and of course, green energy summoned from the 45th parallel.
Willamette Week:Tango Alpha Tango makes exactly the kind of rock ’n' roll I can get behind; it’s sweeping, dramatic and unapologetically evil at the most surprising of moments. Formed from one half of the recently disbanded Carolines (the other half of which went on to create Deepest Darkest), Tango Alpha Tango tempers its pop leanings with an aggressiveness that adds a pleasant layer of grime beneath the shine of the group’s top-notch production and ass-tight songwriting. What comes out of this aesthetic pairing is gorgeous and engaging in a way that fully exploits this unity of opposites.
The Portland Mercury:After the Carolines split a couple years ago, Nathan and Aaron Trueb formed Tango Alpha Tango, while the remaining members teamed up with Derby's Nat Johnson to form Deepest Darkest. Both bands are logical extensions of the Carolines' unpretentious, melodic pop. Deepest Darkest go for shiny, sheen-y, radio-friendly, classicist rock, with every note carefully in place and every timbre in perfect relief. As generic as that could seem, the songs are mighty fine, and the relaxed, sun-faded vibe is a comfortable fit. Tango Alpha Tango have a bit more urgency to their sound, and cultivate a delicate, damaged beauty; the songs are either folkier and more pointed, or trashier and glammier—more suited for the bedroom than Deepest Darkest's convertible-with-the-top-down groove. It's a genuine pleasure, and no slight against what came before, that both bands are better than the Carolines ever were, and sure, it's not exactly fair, or necessary, to pit the two against the past or each other—but when both share the bill, comparisons are inevitable.
Seattle Weekly:You could argue that Tango Alpha Tango's sound is the most seductive thing to come out of Portland since Elliott Smith crooned, "Sexy energy makes me charming when I sing." But instead of bated breath and acoustic guitars, Tango relies on slinking bass lines and lyrics so enticing they feel like they're being whispered in your ear during a slow dance. Songs like "Twelve Step" showcase the band's ability to combine their swagger and stealth with just enough California-sunshine pop to keep the audience gently swaying along with them. And after a string of shows at Portland's famed Doug Fir Lounge, Tango Alpha Tango is ready to hit the road and bring the sexiness straight to you.
Daily Vanguard:Some bands will travel fine on a CD. They come across well, more or less the way they intended. After all, recording is an art in and of itself. However, every now and then comes along a band that requires the listener to take the next step to get the full experience of the group, beyond what spins in your stereo. Tango Alpha Tango is one of those bands.
Our Favorite, The Daily Vanguard:The other half of The Carolines has added a few appendages to become a local jazz family band called Tango Alpha Tango.
Wow! I really like your style. Where have you been? Well I found you now. I'm keeping my eyes on your schedule to be sure to see you soon. Thanks for the friend request. It's my pleasure to be on your radar. Keep on rockin!! Marty (AKA, "One Man Band")...........Peace...........
Nathan...thanks so much for coming out last night! We are super excited for the show on Dec 2nd....I'm going to try and make it out to berbatis...take care! -Beau
I will do my part on spreading the word, but in return you guys need to try to make it here! I have introduced your music to some, and those who have heard you think you are awsome! I will keep up the hard work, and hope to see you soon! In the mean time, I will have to go back to Portland and see you guys play! I will bring some people with me that enjoy your music also! Have a great day
Hey Nathan! That's great. I'm sure you'll love her voice. The studio where you'll do it is where I interned over the summer; it's a great place and Kevin's a really cool guy! Let me know how it goes!
We had a great time seeing you play yesterday. You were HOT and I mean that literally. ;) It is always good to hear you play no matter what the stage, weather, or even with no sound. You guys ROCK anywhere anytime! Loved it.
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