Tan Cologne

Tan Cologne is Lauren Green and Marissa Macias, two interdisciplinary artists living in Taos, New Mexico. Last year they released their debut album, Cave Vaults on the Moon in New Mexico on Labrador Records, followed by a single “Heretic Porcelain” last October.

With their sweeping, kaleidoscopic soundscapes that emulate the New Mexico horizon, Tan Cologne’s music has an intoxicating, visual quality. Lyrics work to invoke sensations, vocals becoming another instrument and words taking on new meaning as through repetition the sound becomes separated, like a more psychedelic Treasure-era Cocteau Twins. Their hazy, dreamy guitar work sounds simple and effortless at first listen but it’s actually extremely intricate and tactile.

Outside of Tan Cologne, Lauren and Marissa work in a variety of mediums separately and together work on Psychic Sink, a publication and gallery space sometimes physical and sometimes virtual. They also work with young musician Hataałii and are releasing his album Painting Portraits.

Cave Vaults on the Moon in New Mexico was recorded mostly in a 250+-year-old adobe fortress in Ranchos de Taos, and the echoes of the spirits are audible. The album is transcendent and transportive, and my conversation with Marissa and Lauren was equally as inspiring.

Check out Cave Vaults on the Moon in New Mexico on Bandcamp.