Twang - If Confronted Just Go Mad

by Dave Goodwin

published: 24 / 2 / 2020

Label: Jump The Cut
Format: CD

Fabulous fifth album from acclaimed indie guitar band the Twang which finds them moving in a new direction

Review

It’s a long time since I last embarked on a night out to see the Twang. The Leadmill in Sheffield was host to what can only be described as an evening of chaos, and as we left being amongst the last few to get out the door it was like paddling in a sea of Red Stripe. Recently the band have also played alongside acts such as Doves, Johnny Marr, the Coral and the Kaiser Chiefs as well as pocketed extensive dates all around the UK supporting Shed Seven. They have just unleashed their new album on the world entitled ‘If Confronted Just Go Mad’. It is a fresh change of direction for the Twang in a number of ways. This happens to be their first album to include vocals from new female vocalist Cat Mctigue., providing the band with a new positive vibe. The new addition has also worked with rising star Tom Grennan, as well as becoming an instant hit with Twang fans too. The band have also gone down a much funkier route than I had last experienced. ‘If Confronted Just Go Mad’ was mixed by Mint Royale legend Neil Claxton, and whilst still managing to cling on to that classic Twang emotion that has gained them such a following on recent years they have diversified just enough as so not to upset the apple-cart. As with their other offerings, they have still managed to produce tracks that capture the temptation of addiction and the delicacy of relationships. They even have had the time on their hands to cover of an 80’s indie classic in the Blue Nile’s ‘Tinseltown in the Rain’, and include the presence of spoken word artist Polarbear. The duo of Phil Etheridge and Jon Watkin are the main writers in the group and, as per any Twang outing you are likely to lay your hands on, have put real emotional energy into making the record, and have found that rare commodity of morphing into a new way of working together which has resulted in a new sound not too dissimilar from the past but enough to herald the changes that has spawned a different but true and exhilarating sound. The first track ‘Everytime’ sets the scene for the rest of the album and has real danceability. Other highlights in a very well thought out album are include the excellent ‘Million Miles and ‘Dream’, which has quickly become yet another Twang live anthem. There are signed limited editions on CD and Vinyl to be had from their store if you are smart enough. One of the best offerings this year. Marvellous!

Track Listing:-

1 Everytime
2 Lovin State
3 It Feels Like (You're Wasting My Time)
4 Million Miles
5 Time Waits
6 Dream
7 Izal
8 Went Walking
9 Kingdom
10 Tinseltown in the Rain
11 Nothing Gets Better (feat. Polarbear)