West of the Rock review
A review of The Twisted Melons’ album, West of the Rock, by MOJO organiser Dan ‘the man’ Sloan-Griffiths:
The latest album, West of the Rock, from the band of brothers contains 10 tracks of quality sound recordings and superb lyrics.
There are musings of nostalgic trips into love, loss and new beginnings – and endings.
Using their psychedelic beat pop style to great effect throughout but also with a definite rock and indie input here and there is testament to all the Johnsons’ experience in writing and musicmanship over the last 20 years.
Pale Horse and Rainbow Make No Sense are great starts to the album – real busking energy with hints of Kula Shaker and Travis. Heartbuzz is a real down to earth hit, yearning for love with soft beats and great lyrics. Brightest Star and More Fool Me are also at a gentle flowing pace with the beautiful acoustic guitar in attendance making its mark.
Next is one of my favourites and a big surprise as the softer tones are put to one side to give the listener a big punch of a hugely powerful and highly addictive riff and rock style of Love is a Drug. It just picks you up and carries you – music is a drug too. Very memorable.
Then it’s on to Shooting Stars, a catchy song; YoYO and Bridget with more acoustic mellow tones and tasteful playing.
The last track is another change in tempo, with a real deep bass lead, the Pink Floyd-esk track Lay is so good you won’t forget it.
For fans of the Beatles, Travis, Can, the Monkees and many others, West of the Rock is an album for you and is available via The Twisted Melons’ Facebook page.