Album Review: Hook and The Twin – Never Ever Ever

Two-piece bands are this years ‘Must Have’. They seem to have sprung up all over the place, each one presenting the possibility of a unique genre opportunity, innovative idea or exciting new concept. And with this year also being the return on krautrock pioneers Kraftwerk, it was only a matter of time before a kraut-inspired duo came along to whet our appetite.

Hook And The Twin have been making music together since they were teenagers, and with industry approval from the likes of Zane Lowe and Steve Lamacq, we’d like to know what all of the fuss is about.

‘Never Ever Ever’ is an interesting undertaking for two people to perform live, and might be an enjoyable experience to witness. But the band’s songwriting feels a little too awkward at times on record and it’s clear that their live sampling, looping and layering is perhaps the only reason people are taking note.

The band’s single ‘Bang Bang Cherry’ has similar qualities to These New Puritans craft, but it’s difficult to decipher what they’re actually trying to achieve. Is it supposed to be experimental, or are those annoying ‘WHEEEEAA’ sounds meant to improve the track?

The group seems to find their feet around about the time you get to ‘Love Your Own Way’. The penultimate track is a simple structure that builds and breaks throughout with the addition of some genuinely impressive vocal arrangements.
It’s all a little too late though and ‘Never Ever Ever’ is an album with minimal appeal that overall leaves you feeling a little hollow and unsatisfied.

Have a listen to BBMLive’s playlist for more new music.