No matter how many times I spin ‘Cursed and Corrected’, I never tire of it. There’s just something that little bit eclectic about Twister’s new record that sets it apart from the pack in a good way.
Riding on the back of the single ’64 White Lies’ (For once a single is one of my favourite tracks) Covid may have robbed them of their planned 11 date European Tour backing The Quireboys but its not stopped them from putting together an album that at times will stop you in your tracks.
As frontman and guitarist Stevie Stoker says: “Everything that has happened to us personally and professionally as a band over the last five years has created these songs. Every single track is a little piece of us poured out in lyrics, guitars, bass, and drums. From heartbreak and frustration to joy and elation this album epitomises what we are as a band and sets the precedent of what we want to achieve.”
And you can feel that. Whether it’s the slow build and explosion of opener ‘We Are the Cursed & Corrected/Save Us Yourself’ which may be mellow but is huge on melody and dripping with hooks. It’s a song that sounds like it has the patina of years about it, mature and assured and a huge introduction to a band that just have that ‘edge’ and ‘point of difference’.
Indeed it is that, as the band says: “Rock and Pop in a ‘Yin & Yan’ type relationship, a fine balancing act constantly moving around equilibrium, tipping the scales with each song” that makes this refreshingly different. And whilst there’s decidedly more ‘rock’ in the opening to ‘Young and Affected’ there’s an almost Clash-like Alt-Rock to the verse before a roof-raising Hard Rock chorus. It works, but it’s different.
Its not all Hard Rocking though – tracks like ‘Natural Survivor’ have more of an early 80’s Alt-Rock thrust to them that might be a little ‘experimental’ for Stateside ears, though to this listener it’s just another layer that makes up a rater fine listening experience. ‘Trees’ adds something similar but is more uplifting and simply soars out of the speakers.
It’s back to the melodic Rock for ‘Wild & Lonely (Fingers Crossed)’ a track that manages to capture the essences of modern Rockers like The killers, with that lilting Indie-Rock guitar before it adds a chorus and solo that would please any lover of any era or vintage of Rock.
There’s other great tunes to – ‘Trading Hearts’ is a bright Melodic Rocker that sticks with you long after the last note; and ‘Call To Arms’, the first single, sports those trademark vocals, big riffs and great harmonies; whilst ‘Mystery’ the ballad they’ve managed to hold back till track nine, has both Folk and Pop aspects that blend nicely.
Closing out the album strongly I’d argue the final four are just as strong as the first: ‘Feeding Frenzy’ has that irresistible chorus and huge drive, that must be rather something to see live! Despite the slow build and laid back feel ‘Monroe’ doubles down with a similarly imposing chorus.
We close with two of my favourite tracks here: ‘Fist Fight By The Waterside’ is a stunning song that throws the kitchen sink in from the off with that driving guitar, it’s possibly also one of Stevie’s best vocals, brimming with dynamics and simmering till it boils! When I spoke to Stevie I confessed that at the moment the album closer was my pick of the album and I must admit a few weeks later as I finally write the review (sorry it’s late) it still is. ’64 White Lies’, the album closer is the song that makes you want to see these guys live – it has it all – the build, the guitars, the layers, the passion and that chorus! It’s a huge song.
Twister have created a great record here, in years to come they might even laugh about the timing of its release!
I’ll leave you with my favourite quote fro the press release: “Focusing on Rock anthems that just won’t leave your head, the lads have created a record which is overflowing with catchy melodies with real substance in support. Twister have a sound like no other, a truly unique sound with a blend of genres from modern synth-based pop and dance, and more guitar-based Rock and Metal.” – that about sums it up.
8.5/10
TRACKLISTING – CD/ *VINYL
We Are the Cursed & Corrected
Save Us Yourself
Young & Affected
Natural Survivor
Trees
Wild & Lonely (Fingers Crossed
Trading Hearts
Call To Arms
Mystery
Feeding Frenzy
Monroe
Fist Fight By The Waterside
64 White Lies
Line-Up: Stevie Stoker –Guitar & Vocals | Jake Grimes –Guitar & Backing Vocals | Ryan Lee –Bass & Backing Vocals | Jack Corbett –Drums & Backing Vocals
