Sofi Tukker (Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern) shine on their brief, but well-executed full-length debut album, ‘Treehouse.’

Sofi Tukker (Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern) came out swinging with numerous singles in 2017.  The boldest of the bunch was “Fuck They.” That’s some double middle finger action right there. 2018 would bring more singles, namely another explicitly titled jam, “Batshit.”  After dropping five incredibly, enjoyable, and groovy singles, the first full-length Sofi Tukker album, Treehouse, has finally arrived. The results don’t disappoint in the least.

“F*ck They”

“I don’t give a fuck about they.” Sofi Tukker don’t hold back on ✓ “Fuck They”. After the initial detonation of ‘the bomb,’ a sick, danceable beat anchors the feisty joint. Hawley-Weld offers up cool vocals that eschews histrionics, but still packs a punch. Her upper register vocals amplify the energy.  Also, it doesn’t hurt she drops those bombs left and right. Halpern gets into the action as well as “Fuck They” eventually employs some good ole call and response. As Sophie continues to emphasize she “don’t give a fuck about they,” Tucker adds, “Who’s they,” “They don’t even give a fuck,” and “Who’s they anyway.” Explicit, but infectious.

Sofi Tukker, F**k They | Track Review 🎵

“Energia”

✓ “Energia” is completely sung in Portuguese – clearly a departure from “F*ck They.” Portuguese lyrics are unique to Sofi Tukker, keeping things fresh and compelling. Fittingly, the vibe of the track is Latin throughout its course.  That said, there’s still plenty of electronic, dance cues, anchored by a Latin-infused dance beat.  No, it doesn’t trump the tone-setting juggernaut “Fuck They,” but it’s another welcome addition to Treehouse. The driving groove remains strong on “Benadryl.” That said, Hawley-Weld employs a cooler, kinder, gentler approach vocally. The musical backdrop follows a similar plan, truly playing into the sleepy lyrics.

“We gotta put this to bed

(‘Cause we got some things to do) …

Ph, how you make me laugh

Benadryl in the bath…

I keep losing the socks

Taking up too many thoughts…”

Sofi Tukker, ‘Energia’ | Track Review

“Batsh*t” 

From the get-go, ✓ “Batshit” is chocked-full of fun.  It’s danceable, infectious, and undoubtedly irresistible. Is it “batshit crazy?” A little bit.  Notably, Tucker Halpern has a much more substantial vocal role compared to other songs.  This is a welcome change.  Of course, Sophie Hawley-Weld gets in on the action, with arguably the most important part of the song – drum roll please – the titular lyric! Yes, Hawley-Weld holds “batshit” down like a champ, while Halpern follows-up with “I’m batshit crazy.”  Such lyricism!  If “Batshit” sounds familiar, that’s thanks to an interpolation of the narcissistic classic, “I’m Too Sexy”.

Sofi Tukker, ‘Bats**t’ | Track Review

“Me and my head have become very, very, very close.” “Good Time Girl” is among the more ‘calm, cool, and collected’ songs from Treehouse. Hayley-Weld embraces a good time, even though she seems to be struggling internally. Her performance is playful and relatively nonchalant.

“And here I am playing by myself

Me and my superiority complex

And here I am playing by myself

Me and my inferiority contest

I’m not winning, but I’m having a very good time.”

Charlie Barker serves up an agile, soundly executed rap on the second verse.

“Johny”

Hawley-Weld breaks out the Portuguese once more on “Johny.” Like “Energia,” the results are well-rounded.  Her head gets the best of her on “My Body Hurts” – “Feeling fucked up band bridled inside my own mind.” Despite her internal issues and anger, the energy, feistiness, and passion help the record to stand out.  The production doesn’t hurt either, as “My Body Hurts” has an edgier, more angst-filled sound, led by the driving groove. “The Dare” serves up a third and final dosage of Portuguese.  It’s not all Portuguese – there’s some English as well.  Also, it can’t be overstated that the beat is sick.

✓ Also Check Out: 15 Songs Filled with Hurt & Pain | Playlist

“Baby I’m a Queen”

According to Sofi Tukker, standout ✓ “Baby I’m a Queen” is “about embracing tumultuousness and vulnerability.” Just because you are vulnerable doesn’t mean you have to let yourself be belittled or infantilized.” That’s a meaningful, powerful message, particularly considering how fun the guitar-driven, minor-key, penultimate joint is.  Hawley-Weld sounds terrific on the chorus.  Interestingly, the band expands on “Queen” even more, regarding the awesome accompanying music video.  

“…We are inspired by the kids who haven’t been taught to color in the lines yet… In this video, we are flipping that narrative and letting the kids define their own beauty standards … By the end of the video, we stop being judges and instead, we let the kids take charge…What if instead of adults being infantilized (‘why do you call me baby?’) we exalt the wisdom of the kids?”

Treehouse closes with a bang thanks to✓ “Best Friend”, featuring The Knocks, NERVO and Alisa Ueno. Great production, solid vocals (gimmicky and natural), and catchy songwriting help make it a hit. The friendship begins with an abrupt intro (the eventual chorus), backed by a sick percussion groove.  It’s followed by a more aggressive instrumental, with biting horns leading the charge.  The groove intensifies, setting up the infectious pre-chorus and chorus sections.

Sofi Tukker, ‘Best Friend’ | Track Review

Final Thoughts

All in all, Sofi Tukker bring the heat on their debut album, Treehouse.  At just 31 minutes in duration, it’s the perfect length – you never find yourself losing interest listening to it.  Fun, infectious, well-produced – a winning album to say the least.

✓ Gems: “Fuck They,” “Energia,” “Batshit,” “Baby I’m a Queen” & “Best Friend”

Sofi Tukker • Treehouse • Ultra • Release: 4.13.18

Photo Credit: Ultra