George William Lewis Jr refuses to be pigeonholed. A novelist, fashion muse and actor, the Dominican born (but Florida raised) artist slips between his various pursuits with consummate ease. But it is his work as solo artist Twin Shadow which really stands out.
Through his five previous LP’s, Lewis Jr has cycled through electro-indie pop, gospel, soul, minimalist pop, RnB and experimental pop in a manner at times thrilling but often chaotic. His sixth album Georgie, however, is the first time he has settled into a sound and a mood with its own distinct identity, and in doing so has produced one of the years finest records so far.
The experimentalism is still there, but it is restrained and contained in such a way that it serves the songs rather than defining them. From the first bars of opening track Totally Blue, the stripped-back arrangement of traditional church organ and modern auto-tuned vocals creates a soundscape which manages to feel both familiar and new. Elsewhere, Good Times features a lead electric bass reminiscent of the opening of 9-9 (from R.E.M.’s 1983 debut Murmur), Geor(g.i.e.) reinforces its classic 1980’s credentials by making tasteful use of an effect best describe as ‘stretched cassette tape’, and Headless Hero employs a Paper Kites-esque guitar arpeggio against clashing synths to excellent effect.
While at times the lyrics here offer little more than standard pop fare (“But how come when I’m thinking of you now it’s only the good times”, “As soon as you leave me and I’m out of time will you do it tenderly”, “You know the cost, we know the reasons why, oh why”), they are delivered with such conviction, and with such beautiful melody, that this does little to lower the enjoyment of listening through such a rewarding set of songs. 4/5 stars.
Matthew Ambrose presents Under The Radar on Tuesday evening at 7pm on Abbey104. Broadcasting on 104.7FM and online at abbey104.com.
Sponsored by Wessex Internet
