A debut release is endlessly interesting to witness.
A shaping of what an artist has to offer that often largely reflects on a past – an explanation as to where they are and why they are and so forth. Mount Druitt’s Tahkoe reveals a few things on his debut – thoughtful reflections on his family, schooling, the way he relates to others and himself. But simultaneously, he is gentle, conveying gratefulness, humour and appreciation in the way he goes about things.
On ‘palm throne’ Tahkoe’s lyricism plays with images of flesh, blood, thickness, blinding in a way that makes your stomach churn if you listen closely. Repeated instrumental motifs in songs like these feel treasured and justified, a plain and stable canvas for more aching confessions and pointed call-outs.
Off the back of a more light-hearted Elijah Jamerson interlude, Tahkoe’s mixtape takes a slightly more personal turn on ‘gimme time’. One of the mixtape’s silkiest samples curtains the background of the track, filling the mids with a luxurious harmony. Twinkling piano octaves highlight an ascension and descent, swaying gently as Takhoe’s stripped vocals speak, sharing memories of his home, family. One of the most beautifully composed songs with the most painful stories – laughing through the tears becomes a reality.
‘smokeanothaday’ and ‘setbacks’ are other exceptional examples of this. Tahkoe masters the balance between a sweet melody and the raw, painful and heartbreaking truth, sprinkling in moments of bliss through sample-based beats that never tire. Isaac Puerile’s radio interlude on ‘T-A-H-K-O-E’ reminds you that you’re listening to a mixtape. But make no mistake – the release isn’t short of cohesion or clarity whatsoever, merely reaping the rewards of added breathing space.
A celebration of 2023 and navigating diaspora, laughing thru tears is satisfying, even more so considering the features of his close-to-heart collaborators Sollyy, emjaysoul, Mayc.e – the album textures together common experience, healing and familial friendship in a beautiful way. Tahkoe centres himself and his growth without being self-centred, celebrating what’s worth celebrating and grieving what’s to be mourned.
Words by Rhea Thomas