The Twang - Jewellery Quarter

2/5 stars
Album review by Gordon Bruce.
Published 08 July 2009

Despite the decimating response they received from critics, The Twang had a few half-decent hug-yer-mates moments in between the attempts at sounding tough on their debut. For album number two, it’s clear they need to ditch the hardman facade and get all squishy on us. They have done, but what’s missing from this repertoire is any semblance of a catchy tune. As soon as the painful vocals enter on Took The Fun it’s an omen of things to come. Single Barney Rubble is simply boring; the song is lacking in a memorable chorus and sports some atrocious lyrics: “It’s my double trouble barney rubble chit chat that’s bringing her down”. Then there’s schoolboy error synth experimentation in Twit Twoo. And this is merely the first three tracks. Continue on a similar trajectory and you get the picture. These days, when The Twang try to get emotional, you feel less like embracing nearby friends - more like staring at the floor.

Comments (13)

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  • What??? Barney Rubble is class. The album is sounding great too. Have you actually listened to the album or just slated it?

    Posted by Dave | Thursday July 2009 @ 19:59

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  • Got to agree with Dave, have you actually listened to the album !?! No catchy tunes, LOL !! I've heard four songs from the new album and all four have been stuck in my head and had me singing along to em non stop !!

    Posted by PJ | Monday July 2009 @ 16:57

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  • Yet another music journalist who would rather go down the familar route of slagging off an edgy band for their use of musucal influences and sing-a-long melodies/lyrics, instead of embracing a band that many of todays music listeners want hear and see live,typical, there really are some boring boring people in this world.

    Posted by Davey | Tuesday July 2009 @ 16:36

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  • I put it to you, sir, that The Twang are not at all edgy.

    I take it you're their PR?

    Posted by Wavey Davey | Tuesday July 2009 @ 17:32

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  • They're not edgy. It's a shame, the album had the potential to be great but it's just a bit lukewarm innit?

    Posted by Hazy Davey | Tuesday July 2009 @ 18:10

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  • Yeah, what is this reviewer on about? I enjoyed their debut, but this follow up is miles better.

    It's so good.

    The first 3 songs that he criticizes are fun tunes.

    But the highlights are still to come with May I Suggest, Encouraging Sign, Got No Interest, Answer My Call, and Live The Life

    This is a brilliant album. Album of the year so far.

    You, sir, just slated it for the sake of it. How about ditch this review and actually listen to the album and then give a fair review of it? Kthanx.

    Posted by Ben | Wednesday July 2009 @ 23:28

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  • I don't have time to show you up by writing pros so I'll just give a track by track review

    1. Took the Fun: 8/10 - Lighthearted and fun
    2. Barney Rubble: 8/10 - Good lyrics, catchy, and fun too
    3. Twit Two: 7/10 - A bit cheesy but fits with the first 2
    4. Put it On the Dancefloor: 8/10 - Puts you in the mood!
    5. May I Suggest: 8/10 - Could have been an epic, just shy
    6. Encouraging Sign: 9/10 - Amazing
    7. Got No Interest: 10/10 - One of my all time fav. Twang tunes
    8. Back Where We Started: 7/10 - Filler, but decent! Better than The Neighbor, that's for sure
    9. Answer My Call: 9/10 - Epic love ballad
    10. Live The Life: 10/10 - That bass line? WOW
    11. Williamsburg: 6/10 - Not bad, but weakest on album
    12. Another Bus: 7/10 - Lacks passion and emotion, but solid

    Average: 97/120 = 80% = 4/5 Stars

    A very solid effort. Better than their debut which was decent in itself.

    But hey, if you and other critics don't 'get' the twang, then that's your loss. All that matters is that I love them.

    Posted by BF | Thursday July 2009 @ 02:37

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  • la la la lo,
    la la la la lo

    Posted by Twang Rules, Your Review Does Not | Thursday July 2009 @ 05:24

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  • I suggest that you start
    Take the time to think
    About what you done
    THEN YOU'LL REALIZE THAT YOUR REVIEW STINKS, SO DON'T CARRY ONNNNNN

    Posted by Worst 'Review' Ever | Thursday July 2009 @ 05:39

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  • Ignore this review and get the Album – it’s amazing, my favourite of the year. Quality runs through it, from the songs, the production, through to the brilliant artwork. It’s like a breath of fresh air amongst the usual dire rubbish being released at the moment by so called ‘big groups’. Do yourself a favour and get this album, you won’t be disappointed.

    Posted by Chrome | Saturday August 2009 @ 12:49

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  • I absolutely love this album. Listen a couple of times and you wont be able to get the tunes out of your head. A real gem - definitely the album of the year.

    Posted by Jude | Monday August 2009 @ 20:46

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  • lol fuck me gordy .....do u have ears the twangs new album is one of the best indie albums i have heard to date ...u obviously love ur generic stuff ..go back to the kooks !!!

    Posted by Marco | Monday October 2009 @ 15:58

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  • Climb back into your little cave Bruce. Disgraceful review. This album is quality... Hope you are enjoying your saturday nights in watching X factor.. YOU'RE A JOKE!

    Posted by Damo12 | Sunday October 2009 @ 20:07

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