Twin Shadow's Triumphant Return

After a few major label misses, George Lewis Jr. is ready to impress again

It's increasingly rare that artists are given the patience and continued attention to produce multiple albums to reinvent themselves. 

Luckily, Twin Shadow has done just that with this fifth album, as it's a complete turn from his usual eighties-influenced indie pop. Serving as a reset, the self-titled album instead plays like a soul and reggae-infused cocktail sent for relief from the season's heat.

George Lewis Jr., aka Twin Shadow, produced synthpop retro in influence but also ahead of the genre's trend when he debuted over ten years ago. His chillwave debut, Forget, and eighties soft rock-driven follow-up Confess were some of my most listened to albums in the early years of the 2010s. Classic tracks like The Police influenced "Run My Heart" and Peter Gabriel-tinged "Golden Light" kept them in heavy rotation while I spent my hours waiting for the N Train.

In 2015, it was time for Lewis Jr.'s major-label debut, Eclipse, released on Warner Bros. For one of the most hyped artists in the indie genre, the leap didn't work for me. Pushing for a more anthemic sound, Eclipse was inconsistent in execution. Its follow-up, Caer, released on sister label Reprise, felt like a retread. I was comfortable appreciating Twin Shadow's first two albums.

This disappointment is precisely why I am so delighted with the revamped sounds of Twin Shadow.

Independently released through Lewis Jr.'s new label Cheree Cheree, this record is the first genuinely fun album from Twin Shadow. While Forget and Confess featured songs that were easily belt-able and highly repeatable, they were self-serious affairs that fit with the time.

On Twin Shadow, Lewis Jr. returns to his roots, quite literally, by recording a share of the album in his native Dominican Republic. The Caribbean flair is immediately noticeable on the lead single "Johnny & Jonnie," which shuffles along while flirting with dancehall and dub. The song features genre staples like well-placed pads, harmonica hooks, and a fine little saxophone solo to ensure good times.

This music rebirth unfolds through the surprising acoustic opener "Alemania" as it ambles along before soaring to choral heights with guest vocals from Kadhja Bonet. "Sugarcane" still shows that Lewis Jr. is a romantic, but this time with some funky clavinet that feels more upbeat than his past work.

Speaking of funk, "Is There Any Love" is an album standout as Twin Shadow challenges the listener and world to be more engaged in much-needed positivity. It's a booty shaker full of frenetic congas driven by some of the filthiest bass licks of the summer.

"Gated Windows" is a love letter to the Dominican Republic that swirls with melodeon and warm blasts of brass. My only wish for the song is that it was longer as it's over just as the groove is found.

"Lonestar" is another shining reggae blast that can't be missed. While starting like a sibling to Sublime's "Caress Me Down," it somehow dips into synthpop and a touch of country. This formula could only be executed by Twin Shadow.

Without much promotion, Twin Shadow fell into my lap when reviewing new releases. Going into it without any expectations also made the experience that much better. Now that George Lewis Jr. is free from the major label pressure, he sounds revitalized and ready for a new decade.

The record is the perfect balm to the dog days of summer. While just as sincere as any previous Twin Shadow release, this new album feels unchained, optimistic, and joyful, which is why it's one of the best releases of July and a most welcome return from an artist who proves they have plenty left to say. 

Twin Shadow is available now on Cheree Cheree.

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