The Twilight Sad // No One Can Ever Know

January 23rd, 2012

Since the departure of bassist Craig Orzel, its fair to say The Twilight Sad have undergone quite a transition since their last album, Forget The Night Ahead. Post-Orzel, the band released an The Wrong Car EP as a three-piece, and new album No One Can Ever Know, (due for release 6th February 2012) provides a more accurate measure of how the band intends to move forward.

Released November 2011, the first single from the album, Sick, is certainly one of the more outstanding tracks on the record. Despite a fairly sombre feel, achieved through James Grahams’ soft vocals, and a chilling guitar melody, the use of synths and alternating drumbeats allows the tone of the track to rise and fall, culminating in a strong single. Don’t Look At Me demonstrates the band’s further experimentation with synthesisers, which help to differentiate No One Can Ever Know from the band’s previous albums. This track in particular is reminiscent of music from Editors; although Graham’s distinctive vocals make for the most obvious difference.

Not Sleeping, has a much colder feel than other tracks on the album. Vocals are faded, and a piercing drumbeat is brought to the fore in a manner that gives a raw power to a relatively short song. The second single that The Twilight Sad intend to release, next month, is Another Bed, which promises to be a popular individual track from the album . This track again employs the extensive use of synths, although much of the track enjoys a simple combination of vocals/drums/guitars from the trio.

Although a transformation since previous material, one of the most notable differences is the lack of raw volume throughout the record. When compared to Forget The Night Ahead, No One Can Ever Know is a much softer sounding album. This choice to strip back some of the noise, does not detract from the quality of the album, but merely expresses the new direction of the band; a natural progression following the shift in group dynamics.

The Twilight Sad have placed this record well within its indie-rock genre, and those who enjoyed the work of Editors, and some growing contemporaries such as We Were Promised Jetpacks, should also enjoy this new album.

Words > Chris Morris

Immediately following the album release next month, The Twilight Sad will embark upon a UK tour, before heading to the Unites States, and Canada, to further promote the album:

February 2012:

9 Glasgow Grand Ole Opry
10 Manchester Rugby Lounge
11 Sheffield Queens Road Social Club
12 Birmingham Hare and Hounds
13 Bristol The Fleece
14 London Cargo
15 Nottingham Stealth
16 Leeds Brudenell Social Club

Tags: Another Bed, Don’t Look At Me, Forget The Night Ahead, No One Can Ever Know, Not Sleeping, Sick, The Twilight Sad, The Wrong Car EP