Coming out of Vermont’s eclectic music scene and positive, open minded, neo-hippie environment, Twiddle offer a fantastic combo of fine musicianship, inspiring, joyful lyrics, and a fearless, seamless blend of elements and styles. The Vermont quartet’s latest CD, Plump, is well named. The disc is plump with many high musical moments and many lyrics about being high on life.
“Complacent Race” opens their album with a driving R&B feeling. Soulful vocals, wrapped around a thumpy groove, makes its presence felt with a svelte confidence. This singer has got something to say and the rest of the band jumps into the action with hip, twisty melodic lines and meaningful grooves. An electric guitar grinds out fierce musical statements while a horn section builds an unending, unstoppable momentum. It’s a real treat to listen to a couple of horns gliding over mounds of rhythm.
“Amydst The Myst” finds keyboardist Ryan Dempsey peppering this groove fest with tender, emotive piano tinkling. Those keys keep the listener in a zone where one can feel what this song is all about. Gentle acoustic guitar strumming gives this a melodic, ballad twist. The combo of groove with acoustic is striking.
“Lost In The Cold” moves with the surefooted grace of a reggae song, a beat that nudges things forward. Over that, the vocals have a hip gliding quality that feels like this singer was born to croon over these breezy melodies and to push the lyrics of the song with authentic knowledge of the real world.
“Every Soul” boogies out of the starting gate with an infectious clavinet line from guest player Todd Stoops. That keyboard tugs the ear like nobody’s business. Meanwhile, drummer Brook Jordan puts a zesty, speedy beat underneath the proceedings. One can feel this song taking him somewhere with determination and a well planned travel plan. This one has wind under its says due to the flowing ensemble work. The bands also makes room for Zdenek Parker Gubb to offer up a funky, twangy bass fest in the middle.
Track five is simply titled “Five.” It’s a combination of a mid-tempo breeze and an earnestly sung, meaningful piano ballad. It’s uncanny how well these players can combine differing elements into one song. That is one sign of true artistry, forging numerous influences into their own sound and carrying it afar. A beauty of a song, “Five” has an earthy vocal, twisting its way through the melodic line, and alluring the listener even more with its rich timbre and content of emotion.
“Syncopated Healing” benefits from a brittle, jaunty rhythm coming from the piano. The singer infuses this one with spiritual ebullience and his flowing croon contrasts beautifully with the crunchier piano chords. Throw in a free spirited, jazzy guitar line and the whole thing comes to life a palpable charm. One can feel that guitar spearheading the song while carrying the listener along with its magical flight of fancy.
Twiddle can change things up on a dime. Getting a tasty country flavor from guest pedal steel player Brett Linear, “Dusk ‘Til Dawn” floats in like a pleasant dream on a summer afternoon. Ryan Dempsey’s organ line flows over it like a fine mist and a running groove makes the song feel like it’s going in the right direction. It’s also a striking contrast with the other songs on the disc but still works in the essential whole of this band’s style.
“Polluted Beauty” has a sweet touch of Jamaican dancehall Its tender reggae groove gets dressed up fine with climbing action horns and a brisk funk guitar riff. There are several nice touches from piano, and the rhythm section fill this tune up with joyful feelings while the singer emits his own form of island charm.
“Be There” takes its time unfolding its weave of instrumentation and soulful crooning. This tune percolates from a gentle breeze to a strong current that carries a wide load of instrumentation to a pleasant destination. Guest Kenny Brooks blows a bright alto sax line, one that waves like a flag on gusty day, and grabs the soundscape like a warm glove.
“Indigo Trigger” is a snappy, swaggering rocker. It moves with a hip surefootedness. Organ swirls and a charismatic vocal line infuse this number with a truckload of cool. It could also work as a dance number, but it’s more likely an audience would want to watch the musicians perform this one as it is built with exceptional skill.
Twiddle close out their disc with “White Light.” It’s an amicable parting from a band that knows how to keep their vibe positive and real. Piano, drums, and bass work up a running groove that makes one feel a fine sense of motion as the singer croons magnanimously about brightening people’s lives. He’s so sincere that it’s easy to believe he’s feeling what he’s singing about and that turns this happy song into something special.
Twiddle have recorded a fine document of their combined strengths. Skillful musicianship, unique song craft, and positive vibes turn these songs into bright, colorful soundscapes as well as anthems of hope. It is easy to imagine this band becoming even more popular they already are as their new music hit’s the spot during this dark decade in American history.
