Twin Tribes – Ceremony (Album – Negative Gain Productions)
Genre/Influences: Dark-wave.
Format: Digital, CD, Vinyl, Cassette.
Background/Info: Texan duo Luis Navarro (vocals, guitar & synth) – Joel Niño Jr. (bass & synth) already self-released a few productions including their debut full length “Shadows” (2018). “Ceremony” is the band’s official debut opus, which has been released on Negative Gain (USA) and Manic Depression (France) while a vinyl edit has been released by Young And Cold Records (Germany). The band also self-released a cassette edit of “Ceremony”.
Content: I’m not that familiar with Twin Tribes, but this album is a perfect opportunity to get a bit more familiar with the dark-wave / post-punk sound of the American duo. The songs are supported with melancholia, but the main characteristic is the 80s flavor hanging over the album. It sometimes reminds me of The Cure. The songs are achieved with melodic synth lines.
+ + + : The 80s spirit is directly emerging at the surface and is clearly evoking some good-old souvenirs from the new/dark-wave years. Therefore I like the guitar play, which brings this 80s touch to life. The melodic, carrying choruses make the songs pretty entertaining although holding on a dark touch. I especially like the chorus of “Obsidian” featuring backing vocals by Charlie Vela (who also mixed the work). Another attention grabber is “Fantasmas”, which is also driven by a great, cold tune.
– – – : I’ve never been a huge fan of fade outs and that’s what you can hear on a few tracks.
Conclusion: Twin Tribes clearly sounds as a band with certain potential. I think it’s not a coincidence this album was released on different edits by different labels.
Best songs: “Obsidian”, “Fantasmas”, “Upir”.
Rate: (7).
Artist: www.facebook.com/TwinTribes
Label: www.negativegain.com / www.facebook.com/pages/Negative–Gain/212061438836984
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