Album Review: Twin Shadow - Confess

New York-based artist George Lewis Jr's project Twin Shadow burst onto the scene with debut record, Forget, a suite of refreshingly intimate synth-pop that was steeped in soft wash and warmth. Follow-up, Confess, forgoes any second-album misgivings; rather than rock the boat, the same aesthetics remain, yet Lewis' songwriting and melodies have grown in stature and strength.

The inspiration for much of Confess came from a motorcycle accident Lewis had last year, with a friend on the back, and the split second before impact when time stops and the words needed to tell your loved ones everything float into being. Opener, Golden Light, feels like a welcome return from a prodigal son, Lewis' beautiful croon taking on an emancipated tone that comes from a new lease on life. Single, Five Seconds, speaks even more strongly to such themes, a euphoric New Wave anthem with '80s chugging riffs and Lewis sounding like TV On The Radio's Tunde Adebimp at his most exhilarated. The positive imploring emanating from Run My Heart marries a murmured guitar line not far removed from Bruce Springsteen's I'm On Fire and atmospheric synths with the aching lyrics like “You can't run my heart/Don't pretend you can/I'm workin' on making it start again” plucking the heartstrings. Such subdued, heartfelt affairs litter Confess, injecting Lewis' trademark suave grooves (Beg For The Night) with understated beauty (I Don't Care).

Confess is a consistently seductive listen from start to finish, Lewis' songwriting and production incredibly strong, and a strong notice of intent that Twin Shadow is a master of finding both the confidence and insecurities that come from being in love and the fear of losing it.