Following the release of ‘Wait for Spring’ indie duo Tora Luna have returned with ‘Why Wouldn’t You Say So?’ a powerful duet between guest vocalist Deslynn Smith and core band member Dominic Johnson. The song was built by Johnson and band member Alex Broadgate, and driven by piano work from Ellie Parker, and adeptly represents the miscommunication and tension that underlie modern relationships.
With a carefully crafted sonic display, and interweaving vocals from Johnson and Smith that vary in tone and voice types, the song masterfully approaches the sensitive subject of speaking up especially with feelings of frustration in a powerful ballad. The tenderness of the vocals and the subtle musical nuances, including gorgeous string work from guest Chloë Meade in the back half of the song contributes to a soulful, rich song that blends the rawness of Motown with the pulse of modern indie sounds like Thee Sacred Souls and Mac DeMarco.
Other key players in the production of this tender work of art include producer Gus White, whose countryside barn served as the backdrop for the stripped down, mellow nature of the song. Meade’s contributions on violin beautifully underscore the complexity of the song’s narrative in confronting emotions and frustrations that lie below the surface. Parker’s complementary and sparing piano accompaniment is a gorgeous touch and adds layers to the song’s sonic palette. Edward Cross deserves his flowers for his soulful work on the saxophone, which adds a fullness to the song.
“We wanted to create a conversational tone through the use of two vocalists to echo the internal thoughts of each individual and their growing frustration with each other,” shares Parker. This intimate approach extends beyond the vocals into the very fabric of the recording process. “Although difficult, I found playing without a click-track to be a more relaxing style of recording and, in hindsight, felt that this helped the song feel more conversational.”
Tora Luna is a collaboration between Johnson and Broadgate, but it’s a revolving door of musical influences and contributors that lends the band its magic, particularly evident on ‘Why Wouldn’t You Say So.’ No two tracks from the collective are the same, much thanks to the fluidity of creators that the band allows into its fray, similar to a Steely Dan approach. By drawing from different musicians based on the demands of a particular song, whether it’s orchestra-influenced pop or the California soul that seeps into the fabric of this track, this band has found a wonderful versatility in its style that will benefit them for years to come.