Twerps - Range Anxiety

by Dixie Ernill

published: 22 / 2 / 2015

Label: Merge Records
Format: CD

Appealing second album from Go-Betweens influenced Melbourne-based band, Twerps

Review

It’s fast approaching 40 years since Brisbane’s finest sons (and daughters), the Go Betweens, first rocked up – part Dylan, part Richman, part Reed and part Wilson – and would go on to be one of the greatest cult bands of their generation. Despite the fact that (due to the sad and untimely death of one of their twofront men, Grant McLennan, in 2006) their final album was nearly ten years ago, they remain an influence on so many contemporary artists and Melbourne’s Twerps are no exception. Twerps (surely a change of name would enhance their chances of greater success?) were formed about five years ago and have been pretty active since, with a slew singles, a self-titled LP and a string of gigs including support slots with Real Estate and Mac DeMarco leading up to this, their second LP. Whilst musically the Go Betweens are a clear influence throughout, there are also hints of Vampire Weekend on the jaunty pop ‘Back To You’ and ‘Simple Feelings’ as well as a clever nod to some of the Flying Nun Records artists such as mid 80’s chancers Bird Nest Roys. Vocally, however, main singer Martin Frawley is probably closer to the Field Mice’s Bob Wratten on the majority of the tracks, though on the classic jangle of ‘Cheap Education’ he does come into his own. Elsewhere there is certainly a more 1960s feel on the songs that Julia McFarlane takes lead vocals on – ‘Shoulders’, ‘Adrenaline’ and in particular ‘Stranger’, which could easily be a lost Ronettes gem. Occasionally things don’t work – such as ‘Love at First Sight’, but all in all it’s a fairly decent second album that certainly keeps the spirit of the Go Betweens alive.

Track Listing:-

1 House Keys
2 I Don't Mind
3 Back to You
4 Stranger
5 New Moves
6 White as Snow
7 Shoulders
8 Simple Feelings
9 Adrenaline
10 Fern Murderers
11 Cheap Education
12 Love at First Sight
13 Empty Road