collected scribblings on music, film and other obsessions

Twigs, Epicure (Endearing)

Twigs are a DIY force of noisy pop/rock from Norway who have released a handful of
EPs and other releases over the years. Epicure, their second full-length album, covers
a dizzying array of rock styles, all with toughness. At the core of their sound lies pop
melody, but it's covered with feedback and intense, guitar-led mid-song shifts. At
times they'll break into slow, relaxing passages, only to come back and pummel you
into the floor. The band's lyrics and vocals are like poetry. Katy Penny's gorgeous
voice slide from a whisper to a scream--over here she's doing a Sonic Youth-like
almost-spoken thing, over here she's singing straight ahead like part of a chorus. And
at all times, the lyrics are the proof (in case you needed it) that rock lyrics can be as
intelligent as academic poetry books. On moment she dreamily sings about "the orbit
of an atmosphere, in rhythm with a star" like she's lusting after it , the next she's
nastily telling off a lover who's trying to "move in for the kill." And at every step,
you're guaranteed that guitars and keyboards will explode into chaos when you least
expect it. Twigs' strengths lie not only in their ability to craft a beautiful melody and
their habit of blowing you away with guitar noise, but in their habit of absolute
unpredictability. On Epicure you can listen to a track and make a judgment, but don't
be so sure that your opinion will stand by the next track. They can play soft, they can
sing sweetly, and they can murder you with noise. Watch your back and enjoy the
ride; Epicure is not only an exhilarating trip, it's a work of immense beauty, one more
reminder that, when delivered right, the loudest guitar screech can make you gasp in
awe and admiration as much as the prettiest sunset can. --dave heaton

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