One morning last winter, I stumbled out of bed at the sound of my alarm clock, walked to my cold kitchen and put on a pot of coffee. As I stood groggily in my kitchen, waiting for my coffee to brew, I turned my radio on to 91.9 WFPK, which was broadcasting a beautifully powerful song crafted by delicate female vocals and whimsical instrumentals. My immediate thought was that the incredible Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine must have collaborated with some 90’s-esque girl group that had been perfecting the art of their instruments for years (I had just woken up).
I found that the song was “Long Shadow,” by Louisville’s own Twin Limb. I poured myself a cup of coffee, turned off the radio and Googled the song so I could listen to it again. And again. What a beautifully soft and uplifting tune to pull me from the comfort of slumber and place me into the real waking world. I was officially hooked on Twin Limb and wanted more.
After releasing its first single, “Long Shadow” in January of 2015, the band has been as successful as one possibly can be with such minimal material under its belt – briefly touring with local friends, Houndmouth and then performing at both GonzoFest and Forecastle this year. They recently earned a highlight on NPR, and now Twin Limb members Lacey Guthrie, Maryliz Bender and Kevin Ratterman have the city wondering what‘s next for this band that clearly has so much potential.
Their answer: “Anything Is Possible and Nothing Makes Sense.” The band’s long-awaited debut EP will officially be released on Friday, November 13. Here’s what you can expect.
St. Agnes
A short accordion introduction pulls echoes from Arcade Fire into this folky melody. This EP is a saving grace from the cold and dreary month of November. This collection, with this song in particular, can transport listeners from the dim grey autumn weather to a warmer, more joyful time.
Dog Song
Sleepy vocals and slow instrumental notes drag out one of the EP’s most eclectic tunes. Though slow and peaceful, “Dog Song” releases a distinct feeling of loneliness while also offering a certain romantic comfort. After listening a few times, I’m still not sure if I want to use this song as the melancholy soundtrack for a rainy evening drive or if I want to play it while holding hands with my boyfriend. But maybe that was Twin Limb’s intention.
Longer Shadow
The conclusion to this highly anticipated debut, “Longer Shadow” continues the band’s quest for ever-eclectic musical fusion. It’s ultimately “Long Shadow” with an accordion-enhanced spin plus reverberated vocals. Imagine what a “Long Shadow” cover by The Flaming Lips would be like.
“Don’t Even Think” was released as a single a few weeks ago, and is a good lead-in for this EP.
Other songs on the album include “Gold From Teeth (Parallel) and “Yoo Doo Right.” They’re edgier, with a clear rock sound – you need to listen as soon as it releases on Nov. 13 on iTunes.
With only six short songs, this new release is already my favorite of the season. Twin Limb is becoming a true Louisville staple and the city is going to be left begging for a full-length album. You can catch Twin Limb's first performance with the new EP at WFPK's Live Lunch on Friday, November 13.
All photos courtesy of Twin Limb.
