Mr Twin Sister: Salt (Indie Exclusive) Vinyl LP

“You’re crystal now, but there you’ll be gone…” We’ve been waiting nearly 6 months to get this third album from NYC via Long Island four-piece Mr Twin Sister (fka Twin Sister) on wax, which has been streaming since October, but that’s the grind when you produce, record, release and distribute all your own music. Their 2014 self-titled album was a major creative breakthrough, and they’ve managed to keep it fresh while persevering through a name change, label drama, a collective near-death experience and the obstacles of self-releasing; demonstrating just how far they’ve come - and how far they’re willing to go - straight out the gate on the 2-step electro swang of “Keep On Mixing,” channeling the slickness of Basement Jaxx and Fever-era Kylie Minogue on their indictment of racial intolerance. Short and sweet at just 9 tracks, with almost nothing indicating this is the same band that did “Meet The Frownies” or Color Your Life; Salt sees the band playing nine distinct hands which demonstrate their ability to move freely between vibes and sounds, all to intoxicating effect. The dreamy jazz of “Alien FM” makes great use of Pablo Eluchans’ superior drumming, casually sprinkled with moody piano chords, harp licks and atmospheric pads. “Taste In Movies” sees frontwoman Andrea Estella joined by guitarist / saxophonist / sometimes vocalist Eric Cardona over an airy afrobeat shuffle. Elsewhere, on "Tops And Bottoms," Estella vents ludicrous (but extremely relatable) sartorial frustrations through her signature robot filter over an immaculate boogie track. Album coda “Set Me Free” sees the band further stretching their sound palette with 8 minutes of slow-lurching dubwise trip-hop à la Rhythm & Sound and Massive Attack. This is the indie exclusive edition (gotta admire the commitment to black vinyl) including a foldout poster insert with full album lyrics, glossy press photo, die-cut sticker and download code. Recommended.

• indie exclusive vinyl edition
• includes glossy press photo + die-cut sticker
• foldout poster insert includes full album lyrics
• limited edition
• digital download included
• music label: Twin Group 2019

reviewed by Isosceles Kramer 04/2019