Tweens
Tweens
Reviewed by: Ari Roth
The self-titled debut album by the rather unfortunately named Tweens is a straightforward, uncomplicated rush of jangly, slightly psychedelic garage rock. The songwriting is direct and the arrangements are efficient and compact, and each track is executed with enthusiasm and precision. If anything, Tweens are a little too studied, somewhat overly beholden to their canon influences. That said, Tweens is by and large a joy, an effective (if not life-changing) burst of melodic, classicist punk of the sort that your 8th grade basement band aspired to, but never quite achieved. The production is clear, full and immersive, with occasional swirls of delay and fuzz accentuating – but never overpowering – the fundamental power of the band itself.
Perhaps this is simply due to the fatigue that develops after so many high-speed tracks, but most of my personal highlights come in the moments when Tweens slow down, such as on the mid-tempo swagger of “Don’t Wait Up”, the emotive melodicism of the single “Forever” or the fuzz-damaged, Jesus and the Mary Chain-emulating balladry of “Want U”. Even so, there is something to be said for the pure cathartic joy of songs like closer “Star Studder” and especially “Hardcore Boy” where the band’s bashing threatens to clip and distort into unintelligibility, teetering on the edge and almost overwhelming the tape onto which it was recorded. The effect is utterly thrilling. Tweens is a largely enjoyable, occasionally brilliant record that rewards despite its transparent influences.
Rating: Listenable
