I've been a fan of TWRP since a customer came into my day job years ago and told me I would regret it if I didn't make time to see this band who had been playing a residency at his work. So it was a huge deal for me when I was asked if I'd like to write a review of their upcoming release, Over The Top.
The album opens with Comin' Atcha, a high energy statement of intent. They're embarking on an upbeat journey of positivity, and you are coming along for the ride. Encouraging and uplifting, Roll With It is a timely reminder that "I know there's a lot going on but we've got to be strong and believe in love". Somewhere Out There implores listeners to think about what we have in common, to pull together and lift each other up, and to reach for the sky and stars as a collective, a theme that continues into Need Each Other featuring Planet Booty, which reminds us no matter how small we are in the bigger universe we're all living in it together, and we all have the power to improve each other's lives with a little bit of love. On This Rock is another timely track, "say hello to the new new normal", it tells us, "times will change, change with them" it asks of us. "The way it was before is such a blur" is a whole mood.
Need Each Other feat. Planet Booty (Official Audio)
Black Swan, featuring Dan Avidan, is a winding and operatic epic, a tale about returning to something, after your best days have passed, only to discover that any day that lets you do your thing is the best day. Only The Best was the album's lead single, and it found its way to my Spotify On Repeat list immediately. It's celebratory, brimming with encouragement and affection, it carries a strong message of unity, through good and bad, "together we are stronger". Top Secret, featuring Andrew Huang, breathes secret agent vibes like a funky sneaking mission with a licence to chill. Destination, Featuring The Gambler, bleeds classic influences and retro sounds, and is just plain fun. Grand Prix mosies, swells, and races towards the finish line before changing paces, becoming a well earned victory lap of soothing vibes.
Only The Best (Official Audio)
Over The Top is a joy to listen to from beginning to end, overflowing with optimism, energy, love and peace.
Album Credits
All songs by TWRP
Lyrics by Doctor Sung on tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9
Lyrics by Dan Avidan on track 6
Lyrics by Planet Booty on track 4
Lyrics by the Gambler on track 9
Synths by Andrew Huang on track 8
Produced by Jim Arsenault
Engineered by Jim Arsenault
Mixed by Dan Weston
Mastered by João Carvalho at João Carvalho Mastering
Artwork by Arthur Doyle