Two
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
A Canadian outfit who return with an appropriately titled sophomore album, Two was recorded live off the floor and truly documents This Time’s energetic and playful delivery where 4 guitars are on hand and interact with much skill.
“Around” gets the album off to a warm and melodic start with smooth vocals alongside catchy musicianship that’s immediately memorable, and “Runaway” follows with timeless pop-rock and a mild alt-rock slant where a sing-along chorus instantly makes its way into the recesses of your brain.
The remainder of the album is equally contagious, including the bluesy spirit and driving pace of “Solace Unexpected”, and “Right In Front Of You” moves with plenty of rhythm and synth nods in the friskiness. “Caught You In Love”, a late album standout track, recruits call and response vocals and crisp percussion in the dynamic landscape of fuzzed out prowess.
At the end, “The Turnaround” finds the band getting into reckless yet calculated bar-rock territory, and “Mother’s Son” exits the listen soft and acoustic fueled, with traces of folk rock in their precise formula.
Thought they might be a bit obscure in the giant pool that is indie-rock today, if you’ve got an ear for guitar rock that soars loud with plenty of harmony, rhythm and, of course, gritty melody, it’s time to get real familiar with This Time.
Travels well with: Modern Love Child- MLC; Science Is Fiction- Don’t Everyone Thank Me At Once