Album Review: TWEN – 'Awestruck'

Shoegaze with a punk DIY ethos.

Boston DIY shoegaze duo TWEN have released their debut Awestruck. Built around sharp and jangly guitars and howling vocals, Awestruck is an album you need to experience from start to finish. The opening title track sets the tone perfectly for the album and with what to expect – the chorus effected guitars, more-is-less groove orientated drum beats and the dream-like vocals.  ‘Damsel’ is more of an upbeat pop song, whilst ‘Honey Smacks’ has some catchy and distinctive riffs, making it the ‘guitar track’ of the album. ‘Long Time’ is epic its own eerie and atmospheric way that is only emphasised by the moody slow tempo groove of the drums. 

As we get to the tail end of the album, the second to last track ‘Azkaban’ begins with a quirky effected guitar riff, followed by the contradictory feel from uplifting jangle pop to the haunting beauty in the vocals. Closer ‘Horseblood’ is a big and moody number. It’s certainly the most powerful song on Awestruck – a perfect end to a great album.

You won’t realise it whilst listening to Awestruck, but TWEN have truly created a masterpiece in feeling and atmosphere in the traditional pop song writing format.