EP Review: F.O.M.O

Inspired by a new life in corporate Wellington, surrounded by grey skyscrapers and the city hustle and bustle, F.O.M.O documents Tarn PK’s desperation to “feel something”. Its title standing for “fear of missing out”, this EP collects six tracks all about that uncomfortable line between boredom and safety, exploring gorgeously textured soundscapes within alternative pop.

Most reminiscent of Tarn PK’s earlier work is the guitar-driven title track, where sharp plucked notes move into a pumping coming-of-age style chorus. This one could easily veer into stadium rock territory with its catchy vocal melodies, but Tarn PK shows restraint, pulling back and keeping the number an intimate affair. It’s a strong opening that introduces the EP’s overall sound well.

What stands out the most across this EP is how its production purposefully aids the working class setting. Comfy works with cyclical instrumentals and repetitive, soft vocals, lulling the listener into a cozy state that’s made slightly shaky by the lyrical emotion. Tarn PK romanticises the plain world around him as “comfy”, but there’s an unsettling sense that such excessive familiarity can be painful, too. It’s a somewhat spooky concluding idea for the project. You can hear it in the elevator-style notes of Cry Baby, or the fuzzy synths on Turns Into Custard, too. His vocals often intentionally blur into the mixes, as if hearing someone crying for help through the haze.

Sleep Walking offers the most honest storytelling. Over a slow, moody track, Tarn PK uses busy office language like “When the road hits the rubber” to preface his admission that he feels like he’s moving through life only partially conscious. This song also dives into the false pretenses of employee comradeship, discussing how we all share these struggles but cannot rely on one another to change anything. It’s a dark and incredibly raw critique of capitalism that’s more relevant and sadly relatable than ever.

F.O.M.O is a heavy but undeniably impressive release from this Kiwi artist. Tarn PK has certainly created his own instantly recognisable sonic lane, and continues to grow his musical world, as recent press material teases future live performances with a full band to share these songs in a new setting. Fans will be thrilled to find out how this unique studio production translates to the stage.