The Twins
Apollon, 2023
8/10
The Bergen, Norway alt-rockers Dobbeltgjenger return with a 4th studio album, and it’s a autobiographical account of the songwriter Vegard Wikne’s experience with a mental breakdown.
“Rocket Shoes” starts the listen with plenty of energy, as a dance floor ready appeal flows with crisp drumming and plenty of soulfulness, and “Harakiri Witchcraft” follows with a very stylish swagger that emits much bright melody.
In the middle, the ‘80s pop nods of “Pink” contains both busy and calm moments of sleek indie-rock, while “Shoot” buzzes with a very animated display of playful pop gestures that are quite modern.
Close to the end, “When You Said That You Were Fine” carries a bit of a pensive quality before bursting into some sci-fi like manipulation that lands in very adventurous and precisely layered ideas, and “Done” exits with a thick and dynamic display of more forceful rock that sounds right at home in the ‘90s, too.
Considering the subject matter, this is quite a colorful affair, where moments of darkness are met with rich, vibrant song craft that might remind you of Talking Heads or Tame Impala, and I doubt anyone will have a problem with that.
Travels well with: Separate Bed- Separate Bed; Friendship- Alchemist Of Your Destiny