The Twang - If Confronted Just go Mad.

The Twang

If Confronted Just Go Mad

(Jump The Cut Records)

8/10

By Decibel Report - Nov 5, 2019

There's a well-practised pop sensibility running through all eleven tracks on this fifth album by this well-connected band.

At times not too dissimilar to Deacon Blue in their arrangements and pop-rock songwriting sensibilities, new female vocalist Cat McTigue blends voices with stalwart singer Phil Etheridge in translating this well-crafted slab of tuneful, upbeat songs.

The hummable first single release Everytime cracks open this musical bottle of fine pop and the fizz continues to sparkle on Lovin' State. The muscular beats of mid-album track Time Waits races the pulse with its clashing guitars and drums raising the sonic delivery as Dream then blares out its nightmarish sound effects.

The golden rule to covering a song, especially a left-field classic, is to achieve a standalone different interpretation of the original and The Twang has certainly put their heartfelt stamp all over The Blue Nile's Tinseltown In The Rain.

Closing track Nothing Gets Better, with a star turn by Polarbear, appositely rounds off an album of artful, emotional and energised music.

A finely crafted fifth long-player release which will garner plenty of airplay and, with a support slot on the upcoming Shed 7 tour, propel them into their headlining status.