ALBUM REVIEW: God Is Dead – Twin Temple
TWIN TEMPLE’s warped reality sound of satanic doo-wop is a truly individualist sound that immediately separates them from the pack. From the opening notes of their 2018 debut, it was clear what they were about and with a feel that is so uniquely them, no one was expecting them to reinvent the wheel on a follow-up release. Instead, 2023’s God Is Dead does exactly what you would hope a band with such a well-realised selling point would do. Bigger songs that ooze more blood and life than before make this a slashing sequel that doesn’t dine out on the good faith it drew you in with.
It’s been five years since fans were instantly seduced by the style that drips from the first few seconds of The Devil Didn’t Make Me Do It. With absence making the heart grow fonder, the opening to Burn Your Bible feels like a blanket of warmth, perfectly capturing the feeling of sticking on the classic records that their sound borrows from. The debut had that aspect to it also but as is the case with everything on this follow-up, it scratches the itch even better than before.
TWIN TEMPLE have always been a band about enrapturing you in their world and God Is Dead takes that to new heights. Whether they’re taking you around the bright lights and dingy alleys of Los Angeles or serenading you through a jukebox at the diner, you’re along for the ride and happy to bop your head in the backseat. The atmosphere of swing-dancing with the dead is always going to be the biggest selling point but most importantly, the songs can stand tall all by themselves.
The tracklisting is strong throughout but what sets it apart from the debut is the first half of the record. The opening four songs could be the best material they’ve put out to date. The production and performances don’t just refer back to the time period, but the songs themselves could easily pop up on a dusty vinyl compilation full of golden hidden gems. (Fallin’ For A) Fallen Angel and Two Sinners sound like Marty McFly could have pulled them out at the enchantment under the sea dance, and frankly Let’s Have A Satanic Orgy should be a Halloween staple with its outrageous theatrics and Sergio Leone licks.
The slight jump in quality also comes down to the charisma on display from vocalist Alexandra James and guitarist Zachary James. Their personalities coming through in the music is such an integral part of TWIN TEMPLE’s draw and they’re even more prominent here with several moments to shine in the spotlight. There are choruses until the sun goes down and without the album overstaying its welcome, you’ll want to do this tantalising twist all over again.
TWIN TEMPLE’s debut album established them as one of the most unique properties in alternative music but crucially, it wasn’t a point and stare gimmick. The satanic doo-wop concoction is so immediately endearing and on God Is Dead, they push that further than ever before. Having music seduce you is a bit of a cliché but when it has this much personality, charming charisma and evil elegance, it’s impossible not to jump into their crystal ball feet first. We might not be living in TWIN TEMPLE’s world but it sure is a wickedly good time for a quick stop off.
Rating: 9/10
God Is Dead is set for release on October 13th via MRI Entertainment.
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