Former members include co-founder Sam Genders (vocals, guitar), who left the band before the release of "...And Then We Saw Land" (Mar 2010, Full Time Hobby).
Tunng started after Genders and Lindsay met, in the latter's Soho basement studio (below a clothes shop). Genders was a singer-songwriter and Lindsay had the studio (making electronica and living through advertising music production). They found that Lindsay's distinctive way with twinkling sounds, and tight production, significantly enhanced the folky songs they were writing - A signature sound developed.
Tunng's first album was "Mother's Daughter And Other Songs" (Jan 2005, Static Caravan) - However, since Genders made at first the choice not to play live, Lindsay found Jacobs and Bates. to help with live shows. Over time, Winter and Smith became part of the band and have all contributed more to recordings, first on "Comments Of The Inner Chorus" (May 2006, Full Time Hobby), then more so on "Good Arrows" (Aug 2007, Full Time Hobby).
The 2010 album, "...And Then We Saw Land", has been the most successful to date and was recorded in the semi-legendary Play Industries Studio, Shoreditch, with access to its vast collection of vintage synthesizers helping develop a more delicate and inter-woven production style. Glenister added live drums to the gigs, from 2009, for a heavier sound, a long way from the seated studio project Tunng once was.
On "Turbines": "...often beloved for its bucolic oddness and modernist gleam, Tunng's polyphonic future folk blossoms with enchanting melodies, simmering grooves, and found sound that has propelled the band into a paradise of exceeded expectations" (Absolute Punk).
Cans
Tunng Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
faster than the one before
here comes another one
faster than the one we saw before
another bus another plane
we've done this all a hundred times before
lets stitch another one
first one to the ceiling gets the floor
no time to sleep all time to turn
because there goes another one
stand on the edge and watch it turn
and if you find you feel you're falling
through the floor just put your hand out
in the dark and feel the bones inside
you singing out again
a pint of this will take your legs off at the knees
and pull your spine out to a cord
and leave it glowing on the floor inside the rain
all decisions pleasure made
lift up our bodies in the air
just to feel another one
fall out of the tube and hit the air
let's all march into the sun
friends we remain for friends we are
walk towards the sleeping sand
bolted together like we are
and in the morning we'll turn on t.v.
and watch the news and eat cornflakes
as continents divide
it's fine if we are by our side
and in the evening we'll turn off t.v.
and watch the stars
and crack open a can or two
and it's all fine if we are by our side
here comes another one
faster than the one before
faster than the one we saw before
The lyrics of Tunng's song Cans present a sense of repetition and exhaustion in the fast-paced and mundane routines of daily life. The repetition of "here comes another one, faster than the one before" suggests an accumulation of busyness and routine that seems to be moving faster and getting harder to keep up with. This is reinforced by the lyrics "bright lights block out the sun, no time to sleep all time to turn" that convey a sense of restlessness and being trapped in a cycle of work and consumption. The song also alludes to the numbing effect of alcohol as an escape and the need for human connection amidst the chaos of life.
Furthermore, the lyrics "in the dark and feel the bones inside, you singing out again" suggest a search for meaning and connection beyond the surface level of everyday life. The line "bolted together like we are" also suggests a desire for a sense of community and togetherness, even in the face of division and chaos.
Overall, Cans is a commentary on modern society's tendency towards busyness, repetition, and the need for human connection amidst the chaos of life.
Line by Line Meaning
here comes another one
The beginning of a new experience or journey.
faster than the one before
A reminder that things are happening at an increasing pace.
another bus another plane
Travelling has become routine, and perhaps even boring.
we've done this all a hundred times before
A recognition of the repetitiveness of their travels.
lets stitch another one
A suggestion to create something new and exciting.
first one to the ceiling gets the floor
A playful reference to competition and exploration.
bright lights block out the sun
The intensity of their experiences is overwhelming.
no time to sleep all time to turn
There's always something new to see or do.
because there goes another one
Continued progression, never stopping.
stand on the edge and watch it turn
Enjoying and observing the ride.
and if you find you feel you're falling through the floor just put your hand out
A reminder that friends are always there to support each other.
in the dark and feel the bones inside you singing out again
The feeling of being alive and connected to oneself and others.
a pint of this will take your legs off at the knees
An alcoholic drink that packs a punch.
and pull your spine out to a cord
A humorous exaggeration of the effects of the drink.
and leave it glowing on the floor inside the rain
The imagery of a wild and crazy night.
all decisions pleasure made
Choosing to indulge in enjoyable experiences.
lift up our bodies in the air
Being playful and carefree.
just to feel another one
Always seeking new experiences.
fall out of the tube and hit the air
Similar to falling out of a rollercoaster.
let's all march into the sun
Moving forward with confidence and optimism.
friends we remain for friends we are
The importance of friendship and connection.
walk towards the sleeping sand
A peaceful image of being in tune with nature.
bolted together like we are
Feeling connected and united.
and in the morning we'll turn on t.v. and watch the news and eat cornflakes
A mundane and ordinary routine.
as continents divide
A reminder of differences and separation.
it's fine if we are by our side
The comfort and support of friends.
and in the evening we'll turn off t.v. and watch the stars
Appreciating the beauty and wonder of the world.
and crack open a can or two
Relaxing with a cold drink after a long day.
and it's all fine if we are by our side
Being content and happy with the company of friends.
faster than the one before
Continued progression and change.
Contributed by Aria T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.