A catchy rock build compels on “Sweet Surrender,” the latest single from Helsinki-based artist Tom Tikka & The Missing Hubcaps. The release features The Star Prairie Project, led by Nolen Chew Jr., who initially teamed up with Tikka to write two songs — one for each artist on their upcoming albums. As can happen when two talented musicians collide, the writing process turned much more fruitful — resulting in an album full of songs. The first release from their collaboration was the single “California Smile” this past March, and now “Sweet Surrender” represents a stirring follow-up.
With stellar production from Janne Saksa, “Sweet Surrender” builds quickly into a soaring title-referencing vigor with a timeless-feeling melding of rock and power-pop. The mid-point sees further infectiousness upon the arrival of an ardent guitar solo, traversing into an introspective, percussion-less momentum into a final “sweet surrender,” hook. The track is a melodic charmer from Tom Tikka & The Missing Hubcaps and The Star Prairie Project, who are clearly a collaborative match.
