Tom Tikka & The Missing Hubcaps embraces a chamber pop magnificence on the stately “With Eyes Closed”. Strings here possess a grandeur to them. Nods to groups like Electric Light Orchestra abounds for the mixture of
the synthesized and the real feels soothing. His voice rises above the rest of the work tying it all together in a fantastic fashion. Full of love the lyrics cascade ever downwards, showing off an uncanny storytelling ability, one that has a sense of grandeur. Instrumentally dense it is easy to get lost in the many intricate details of the work.
His voice starts it off and from there all else flows. From this initial point the orchestration of the rest of the song lends the piece a classical air. Melodies have a richness to them for they hold nothing back, letting it all loose. The many different patterns intersect to further lend the track a certain power behind it. Within the many approaches the poppy instinct helps to propel the song forward. Forgoing traditional rhythm theirs has a different, more thoughtful aura to it.
Quite intelligently, the rest of the piece builds itself up into a virtual wall of sound. From here when the fanfare finally reaches the forefront it creates a triumphant march to the finish in one fell swoop.
“With Eyes Closed” features the intrepid skill of Tom Tikka & The Missing Hubcaps in crafting a universe so distinct and reassuring.