Live Reviews
Twin Shadow At Union Hall: Review
Johnny Sanford :: Friday, June 25th, 2010 12:45 pm
There’s been a throwback in Brooklyn. An 80’s New Wave Renaissance. Leading the way are bands like Hooray for Earth, MiniBoone, and new on the horizon is Twin Shadow. With a new album that’s been slated for the fall to be released on Terrible Records, the band’s sound is a potent mix of synth, keyboards, bumping bass and flashy guitar with the spastic guitar rhythms of 80’s greats like Duran Duran. The band came on at midnight this past Thursday in the tiny, cramped space in Union Hall and led the charge for the new-wave revolution.
I had seen them play in February, but the summer heat brought about a laidback attitude as they tore into songs off their yet to be released album. Poppiest on the setlist was “Castles in the Snow,” with other notable tracks including “Can’t Find the Key” and “I Can’t Wait.” The drum loops were perfectly timed and brought the band to another level, as lead singer George Lewis Jr. crooned along, adding an air of cool and intensity to the group. Bassist Russ Manning kept the band in time and added a level of sophisticated basslines with a funkedelic rhythm.
Before the show, I got a chance for an impromptu chat with lead singer George Lewis Jr., a shy but affable man wearing tight jeans and a polka-dot shirt, complete with Tortoise Shell Ray Bans. The band name came up, (we mentioned Twin Sister’s new found success) and with noticeable shyness he confessed to a few different reasons for the name. As a child he had always wanted a Honda Shadow motorcycle with a twin engine. He also claimed to be the twin, with a sister that does commercials, thus making him a “twin’s shadow.” I prodded a bit more, to no avail, and he soon escaped to set up for the gig. The band’s constant touring has found them gaining a considerable fanbase, which has even landed them a spot on the Northside Festival’s bill at Berry Park tomorrow (11pm) with Flavorpill and Tell All Your Friends.
You can also check out some of the singles Twin Shadow is releasing for free here.
