Release Date: June 24, 2012
Holiday Friends Recording Co
Two Wounded Birds
Johnny Danger - Vocals/Guitar
Ally Blackgrove - Bass
Joe Stevens - Guitar
James Shand - Drums
Two Wounded Birds are from the sea-side town of Margate (UK) and they have a retro, surf sound surrounded by an edge of punk. Think sun, sand, leather and Raybans.
I have been waiting for this self-titled album since I first heard TWB in 2009. Though they did release a well received EP, Keep Dreaming Baby in 2010, I only considered it an tasty appetizer and I was still hungry for the main course. I have not been disappointed. This album is a heaping full pop platter and it has been plated so that each course compliments the next. This is classic pop tinged with haunting melodies and killer hooks. This band loves music and loves performing and they draw you in so you become a part of it. You can feel the energy and enthusiasm in each song. You can hear the influences of the Beach Boys, Elvis, and Neil Young, as well as The Cure, The Ramones and The Smiths. I think someone was even channeling Jerry Lee Lewis on Daddys Junk.
1. Together Forever
2. My Lonesome
3. To Be Young
4. It's Not Up To You
5. Daddys Junk
6. Night Patrol
7. The Last Supper
8. I'm No Savior
9. If Only We Remain
10. No Goodbyes
11. The Outer World
12. Growing
Starting with the upbeat Together Forever this is one of those "debut" albums where every single song is worth listening to. It is a consistently solid album that will never grow old. The sound is so full and well rounded it is hard to believe there are only four members of this band.
My Lonesome (listen above) is a song I was already familiar with. It is one of my favorites. The vocals backed by the retro Hawaiian guitar combine to give lonesome a whole new meaning. Johnny Danger does sound a bit dangerous and I have to wonder what he does all alone. To Be Young and It's Not Up To You are lovely pop songs full of of angst.
I am mezmerized by Night Patrol. It is not just the sky that is dark at night. Johnny Danger sounds sultry and mysterious and takes you on a journey somewhere exotic and possibly illegal. I love it.
The opening of The Last Supper reminds me of a Clint Eastwood Spagetti Western then it turns all groovy. The beat, the angst, the harmonies in I'm No Savior are simply beautiful.
I may have a girl crush on Ally Blackgrove, she is so impressive on bass and gorgeous to boot and especially solid on If Only We Remain. It has The Smiths influence all over it. I plainly hear young Morrissey. No Goodbyes and The Outer World (listen above) have a 60's vibe and they both feel comfortable and familar. The last track, Growing, is a lovely song that is filled with longing and delicious melancoly.
Every song has a distinct sound yet the album flows from track one to track twelve as effortlessly as water poured down a slide. I am thrilled with this album. I have followed @twowoundedbirds since 2009 and I personally adore them. I have watched the hard work and effort they invest in their craft and they have gained respect. I also compliment Two Wounded Birds on their social skills. They have a great rapport with the fans and interact whenever possible. I think you will be happy with yourself if you order today.
Pre-order here:
Two Wounded Birds - Audio CD
Two Wounded Birds -Vinyl
Thank you for reading and please enjoy this free download: To Be Young
More info about Two Wounded Birds can be found at their TWB website
Watch videos of Two Wounded Birds below:
(I love this stock footage, I hope they don't update it)
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