Wednesday 6 April 2016

Twin Haus - Nothing Lavish

Article by Del Chaney


Brisbane-based noisy, ambient psych rockers Twin Haus have just released their sophomore EP entitled 'Nothing Lavish' (22nd March 2016) via Bedlam Records. This release follows on from their successful debut EP, the sonically sublime seven-track 'Waxen Myriad' (2014), and see's the band continue on with their sonic manifesto of not pigeonholing themselves into any one particular musical genre. With a sound that expertly skips through noisy, psych-tinged highs but also has subtle, atmospheric post-rock strands that are infused with stunning atmospheric ambient low points, Twin Haus successfully produce wonderful sonic soundscapes that deserve to be listened to over and over again. 'Nothing Lavish' is available to buy/download right now from the band's Bandcamp page.

The EP opens up with an addictively melodic guitar build, carefully cushioning that impressive vocal performance before collectively streaming into a gorgeous chorus break. Yes, I am hearing Radiohead here from the beginning, but 'Synthetic Egg' morphs into something completely new sounding, as we're treated to a thrilling musical break that is full of golden-hued sonic swirls and that brilliant saxophone line that both thrills and interests all at once. The track builds into a maelstrom of atmospheric instrumentation as it deftly works through its sonic gears with aplomb. Is it really strange that I'm hearing hints of Jeff Buckley swirling within those addictive vocal lines? Absolutely stunning. Coming in at nine-minutes-plus, 'Synthetic Egg' is by far my favourite track on this entire release.

Track two, 'Self-Love', is an extension of sorts to the opening track but it has its roots firmly stuck deep within a cacophony of swirling, droning guitar swells and explosive instrumentation. It drives a sonic trench through proceedings and expertly bookends that opening track. Wild but atmospheric percussive hits announce the arrival of track three, 'I Used To Think', before that soaring vocal line becomes the focal point as reverberating guitar structures circumnavigate the entire track giving off a brilliantly vivid ambient hue as they swirl within the sonic whirlwind. Both the guitar and vocal tracks systematically loop and arc side by side, right across the sonic ether as the track meanders and dances expertly like some imaginary ballroom dancing couple. A brilliantly executed track.

The EP's closing piece, entitled 'The Revue', leans more towards noise-rock as its driving opening patterns take shape, before the veil falls away and we're treated to a beautiful cacophony of addictive guitars, stunning vocal production, sparse percussion and intense atmosphere. 'The Revue' is a sonic journey all in itself, as its eleven-minutes-plus of shimmering psychedelic brilliance envelopes the listener, lifts you up and carefully pulls you with it into its inner swirling cyclone. This is sonic heaven of immense proportions and it's recommended that you listen to it via headphones just to experience its sheer sonic abandonment that it holds. It explodes from the break into a stalking sonic cheetah chasing down its prey. A stunning finale to an utterly brilliant EP. As sophomore releases go this is worthy of much bigger praise than I can give it. I simply cannot recommend this EP enough. Bravo!







Twin Haus' website

Buy: 'Nothing Lavish'.





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