TwinsTown are a Dunfermline, Scotland-based group who have just hit my radar thanks to the imminent release of their debut LP. It’s called Brankholm Brae.
By Graeme Smith
Brankholm Brae opens, suitably enough, with Welcome to My World. We are treated to an infectious melody and some jangly guitars before twin voices come in, full of charm and character. Finely poised between bright and melancholic, it’s a perfectly pitched rock track and a great start.
Spitfire opens with some atmospheric morse code and air raid sirens before launching into some spirited classic indie rock. Last Romance shows us the softer side of the TwinsTown sound with some beautifully descriptive lyrics. Something New is a vibrant and upbeat quickfire highlight.
Single Johnny Depp is a memorable bop that sits at the heart of the album, giving us some acoustic undertones and saucy, singalong lyrics. It’s another highlight.
Big Heart is a swinging number that will have you moving. Dive In is pacey, punchy, and has a sense of confident abandon. Lo Siento has a suitably breezy feel about it, transporting you with its storytelling lyrics.
Wrath of The Rum broods with rumbling bass and Spaghetti Western sensibilities. Say Goodbye to The Summer is bouncy and rousing, yet with a certain wistfulness brought about by shortening days. Bed Bugs keeps things lowkey with some ponderous guitar. Title track Brankholm Brae closes the album with a moment of philosophical reflection. It’s a final highlight.
The album also includes a very poignant hidden track, written by and featuring the singing of Callum Paterson who sadly passed away in 2019. It shows TwinsTown’s playful side thanks to its raw and jazzy style.
Fronted by identical twins Donald “The Hornet” and Stuart “Smackay” Mackay, TwinsTown recorded their debut album with producer Robin Evans at Tpot Studios in Perthshire.
Brankholm Brae will be available for streaming from 24 December with limited edition white vinyl on its way in March 2024 via Whanga Records. You can grab a copy by pre-ordering from the TwinsTown’s Bandcamp.
