CD Reviews

Twin Sister | In Heaven

Domino (2011)

By LIZ PELLY | September 20, 2011

4.0 Stars

Twin Sister's second EP, Color Your Life, was one of 2010's releases most praised releases by indie critics and bloggers. Stand-out single "All Around and Away We Go" seemed like a leap: from the breathy experimental pop of 2008's minimal Vampires with Dreaming Kids EP, to a new breed of bigger disco beats. The Brooklyn-via-Long Island quintet continue in that direction with their off-kilter debut full-length. And it's one of 2011's finest pop records: 10 tracks of dreamy, weirdo hi-fi pop that grooves, sparkles, and hums with clipped beats and smooth drums. It starts with "Daniel" — four minutes of shimmery lust and longing, where Andrea Estella's sultry Nico-reminiscent voice takes center stage over a minimal buzz of chirpy synths and avant-pop beats. Next, momentum builds on AM radio-ready "Stop," where Eric Cardona and Estrella share vocals, making for the best previously-unreleased track and potential second single. (The first single, "Bad Street," was an excellent introduction to In Heaven's synthy '80s pop side, though the record doesn't get that funky again.) Another gem is found in the slowed-down stoner dance-pop of "Space Babe," with its dramatic spaced-out back beat. "Kimmi in a Rice Field" is creepy and atmospheric, whereas "Luna's Theme" brings out Björk influences, starting with one drawn-out minute-long vocal phrase, eventually building into layers of vocals, drums, keys, and percussion. Long-time Twin Sister fans will be psyched to finally hear a proper recording of "Saturday, Sunday," a song about boredom and longing. Thus far, only a demo has been available, along with the 100-plus other demos the band has posted on their website over the past two years. That investment of time, energy, and thought is clear from the record's opening right through its finale — "Eastern Green" is explosive and minimal, triumphant and gleaming.

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Topics: CD Reviews , Music, Long Island, Disco, More

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