Australia’s Twerps specialize in a mellow kind of twee pop that will appeal to fans of Young Marble Giants and the Clean. The 13 songs on their second full-length album have lots of jangle guitar and girl/boy lead vocals, but melancholy riffs, organ lines and anxious lyrics add some welcome cloud cover to the sunshine.
Singer/guitarist Martin Frawley has a dry delivery, while singer/guitarist Julia McFarlane has a sweet coo, and they balance each other well. Back To You is upbeat pop perfection, with a seriously catchy chorus and a terrific arrangement. It’s instantly familiar while also being unique, a balance the band frequently achieves.
McFarlane takes the lead on Shoulders, which has a surprising and effective Celtic touch. It’s a song abut loneliness offset by an optimistic melody. The four-piece dabble with a variety of tones while keeping things cohesive. Occasionally their influences come through too heavily, and the album would’ve benefited from one or two fewer songs. Still, a hugely pleasant listen.
Top track: Back To You
