Following on their singles and splits, Peak Twins have released their debut album via Bedroom Suck. And the self-titled record underscores the duo's omnivorous approach to genre, and primary allegiance to showcasing Joel Carey's vocals and Liam Kenny's guitar work. The duo and their mates provide a slacker twist on '60s pop in songs like "Only One" and "So Long", the latter with a clear country heart. They venture into stoner rock territory on "Salvation", and hit full stride on the downer psychedelic pop of "Got Woken Up" and "China White". On the previously released single "Steppin' Off", Carey and Kenny channel Jagger and the Stones to delightful effect. The closer, "500 Days", fittingly sounds like the vocalist of the prom dance is unwinding while the last couple shuffles in an embrace through the fallen balloons and streamers as the rest of the band packs up the equipment.
What makes this special? For me, it is a combination of individual performing talents -- Carey is a strikingly good vocalist, Kenny is a very good and versatile guitarist and the backing band of Chad McLachlan, James Mannix and Ben Quici doesn't put a wrong foot forward -- good songwriting, and production work from Jack Farley that brought out the best in everyone. Of course, it is all about the songs, and what really works here is that the influences, while apparent, are just guidelines that are warped, stretched and merged into a distinctive final product. The highlights for me are the beautifully sad "China White", "Steppin' Off", "So Long", and the cover of Fred Neil's torch song "Dolphins". You can try the latter three below.
Peak Twins - Steppin' Off from BSR on Vimeo.
The album is out now via Bedroom Suck in Australia. UK fans will be able to buy through Fire Records.
Bandcamp
Fire Records
Bedroom Suck Records page for Peak Twins
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