Twisted Wheel - 'We Are Us'
Now is not the time to ask whether the music world really needs another attitude-heavy rockin' young three-piece with a well-thumbed complete set of albums (vinyl, natch) by the Jam. The Enemy will be back in a minute, and if they're happy enough to share the same inspiration pool - they took Twisted Wheel on tour with them after all - then who are we to complain?
And it's no surprise to discover that Liam Gallagher and Paul Weller are both keen on this lot as well. Jonny Brown's got that Oasis swagger to his voice, especially on the verses to this song, which are like a revved-up tribute to 'D'You Know What I Mean'. As for Weller, just listen to their last single 'Lucy The Castle' - complete with the 'This Is The Modern World' ending. That's all the explanation you need.
It's like Twisted Wheel have set themselves up to be like a musical version of the mirror in Snow White - "Oh Twisted Wheel, which band are the best rock band of all time?", "why, your band, Mr Rock God". They've even named themselves after a classic Northern Soul club in Manchester, to prove they are worthy of some mythical rock lineage, which is a shame, because they clearly do have some personality of their own. And that's going to be important if they really DO want to take this sound and make it their own.
. You crazy kids!
And if that all sounds damning and sneery, it's not meant to. Twisted Wheel are having the time of their lives at the moment, and with good reason. They've got the tunes, they've got the energy, they've got the simple joy of playing catchy rock songs to an audience which is basically them without the guitars and celebrity endorsement.
That's basically what this song is about. It doesn't matter what anyone says, you're either with the band, having The Fun, or you're outside the venue, muttering impotently under your breath about the death of creative thought in what was at one time the most forward-looking art form in the world. You're your own dad, essentially.
Personally, I'd rather be in the warm. It's getting draughty out here and I left my parka at home.
Download: Out now
CD Released: March 30th
(Fraser McAlpine)
Comment number 1.
At 25th Mar 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:I just saw them supporting The Enemy. They were pretty good, if a little similar to The Enemy. Bit shouty and their songs all seemed to run into one though. They didnt seem to have the range of songs that The Enemy have (fairly limited as it is).
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Comment number 2.
At 25th Mar 2009, spirit wrote:Hi Liam I am going to see THE ENEMY next week... what is your take on their new single TIME FOR TEARS ?
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Comment number 3.
At 25th Mar 2009, spirit wrote:WOW I can see why these guys remind people of THE ENEMY or early OASIS.
I cannot deny how strong and memorable the chorus is though...
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Comment number 4.
At 25th Mar 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:I think Time for Tears is a great track. It does sound a little bit like they are trying to hard to create an anthemic track however. When they performed it in Sheffield some random woman sang it with them, I didnt catch her name. Wonder if thats a country wide thing.
Bit off topic there sorry.
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Comment number 5.
At 26th Mar 2009, spirit wrote:I agree they have produced a big , big, sound for a three piece and its sounds anthemic, it will be interesting to hear it live..... on the strength of the TWISTED WHEEL single I can see why they supported them , similar in ideas and delivery...love the angst !
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