James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
Something of a curio, Twice Born Men sees the trio merge diverse elements into a ramshackle whole. Subtle layers of electronics, strings and woodwind sit atop a foundation of traditional folk instruments, whilst Tim Elsenberg’s voice brings an intimacy and warmth to the often chimed and plucked backgrounds.
Whilst their style has been termed folktronica by some, there’s distinctly more folk than ‘tronica here. For all the laptop-enabled underlay, there’s a folk sensibility running through the bones of almost every track. During the best moments, especially ‘Bloodless Coup’ and ‘Kalypso’, surprising and melodic choruses soar out of the background noise. It’s these choruses that really capture the imagination as the album grows and grows with each listen.
Rejected by major and indie record labels in their early days, this isn’t by any means a commercial album. Difficult to pin down Twice Born Men most certainly is, but refreshingly so, and perhaps the Mercury nod will see them get some of the exposure they deserve.
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