Twaine - A World in Change — Scandinavian soul

Soul came from gospel. It was born from suffering and gave heart and hope. In light of the heartbreaking events in our home city of Stockholm last week we could all use some spiritual re-connection.

Directly touching at my soul is the single-A Gospel by the Swedish band Twaine.

‘A Gospel’ was first released on the Japanese compilation album ‘We -Songs of Hope-‘, and all royalties went directly to the people affected by the catastrophe in Fukushima, Japan, 2011. The single also features on their new album – A World in Change.

A World in Change

The core of Twaine since its inception is Henrik Sundqvist (text/music, vocals, piano), Niklas Odelholm (bass), Jonathan Svensson (drums).

The band admits their musical style might be a little difficult to place into a genre, however, their music, written by Henrik Sundqvist, is grounded in American 70’s R&B/neo-soul and the Swedish song tradition. You can certainly find similarities to other artists with storytelling lyrics and a good groove, for example, Bill Withers, Amos Lee and John Legend.

‘A World in Change’, is the bands’ second album and the songs are infused with descriptive lyrics about everything from personal life experiences to reflections on current world affairs.

Lead by the deep and engaging vocals of Henrik Sundquist, the 10-track album offers a highly-listenable experience from beginning to end. The mellow track, Best of Days is a perfect example.

Though not every track ‘hits it out of the park’, and the album may be too mellow for some, the quality of the arrangement, instrumentation and production are unquestionably consistent and high throughout. Huge credit to, Henrik Sundqvist, Erik Jaensson (saxophone), Jonne Bentlöv (flugelhorn/trumpet), Nils Odelstam (trombone), Mattias Danielsson (trumpet), Johan Nilsson (guitar), Göran Månsson (flute), Pelle Lindh (guitar), Johan Bremin (guitar) and Sofia Pettersson (vocals).

Personally, the beautiful duet with Sofia Pettersson – Miss Interpretation stood out for me – heartfelt, sensitive and blissful.

Listening to the opening keys of track #6 Somehow, Somewhere, Someone I’m reminded of Kate Bush – Moments of Pleasure (see I listen to everything!) before the tight groove kicks in. While track #7 Take One Step Forward – is underlined with sweet reggae chords!

Some People (track #8) continues the mid-tempo flow and Wonderful Horrible You and the delightfully jazzy ‘A World in Change’ seal the albums overall satisfying tone.

Good stuff!

Listen and follow Twaine: Spotify Facebook Webshop: http://cdbaby.com

IN MEMORY

As we at scandinaviansoul.com remember those who lost their lives in the horrific terror attack here, we also think of everyone whose lives have been so cruelly cut short in barbaric acts of terrorism across the globe.
They will never win.