ALBUM REVIEW: “Forget” Twin Shadow

Twin Shadow
Forget
[Terrible Records]

We are a bunch of nostalgic, ’80s loving groupies, aren’t we? Generation Yers who have grown up, moved out and laid claim to indie music’s exciting rebirth just can’t get enough of lush, synth driven beats. Simplistic? Yes, but not completely out of bounds. Take Twin Shadow for instance. The lovable George Lewis, Jr. (aka Twin Shadow) nails the clean and beautiful pop that streamed from our siblings’ bedrooms and penetrated MTV’s amusing music videos.

His debut album Forget is heavy on the ’80s gravy train. Forget isn’t as sparse as some of the albums put out by the legendary Factory Records, but not as glossy or slick as British New Wave kings Duran Duran or Soft Cell, but closer to Depeche Mode’s provocative electro-pop. “Tether Beat” falls into the latter. Lewis’ somber vocals are heavily layered with a mechanical synth beat that Dave Gahan would just love to broad over.

Forget has huge crossover appeal. So take that for what it’s worth. The style, the singing (hello, Morrissey!), the fashionable glitterati: the entire package is absolutely ripe for the kill. But don’t be surprised if after a few listens you’re moving on to something with more lasting power.