It’s been a quiet couple of years for Twin Criminal who first dashed on the scene in early 2015 with the release of their debut EP, Nones. Featuring former Cloudeater bandmates Trevor Flanders (bass, vocals) and Daniel Friedman (guitar), the trio, which also includes drummer Danny Paschall, carved out a string of visceral alt-rock jams full of hard-charging guitars and anthemic hooks. In an early feature on the band, Flanders spoke to Immersive about their plans to tour and complete recording on a follow-up album, so it’s no wonder that expectations at the time were running high.
Now, well over two years later, Twin Criminal seem prepared to make good on that initial promise. The threesome have spent the last year writing and recording a six-song EP called Backsliding, which they hope to release in December, and today we’re happy to present to you the record’s first single “Temples.” Careening out of a frantic drum intro, the live wire track springs forth in a steady gallop before settling into a murky stoner rock groove. It’s a more metal-oriented approach for the band, complete with dramatic, earworm vocals, but don’t let the thunderous dynamics and racing tempo distract you from the flurry of personal demons Flanders confronts and casts out as the song scorches by.
“The song was inspired by the breakup of a longterm relationship and the ensuing writer’s block and overall creative lethargy that can come with heartbreak,” says Flanders. “I decided to write about my frustration and my coming to terms with my own privilege. ‘Temples’ is a journey from malaise to acceptance, and an admission that my plight wasn’t necessarily a unique one. A pledge to be grateful for the things and people in my life.”
Listen below.
Twin Criminal will perform on Thu., July 26 at the Clermont Lounge alongside Sister Moon, Vices of Vanity, and Robot Party. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $10. 21+ to enter.
More Info
Bandcamp: twincriminal.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @twincriminal
Instagram: @twincriminalmusic
SoundCloud: @twin-criminal