By Ibn-Umar Abbasparker of Indie Band Guru
1960s pop and 1990s alternative rock are two genres from two decades that may seem mutually exclusive. Yet, these contrasting factions blend together beautifully on Twin House, the newly released EP from indie rock band Relick. The name seems appropriate for this band. They combine musical attributes of the past to create songs on this EP with a distinct, modern sound.
Relick formed in 2014 in Denton, Texas. Its founding members are jazz vocalist Amber Nicholson and recording engineer Matt Hibbard. They recorded their first demos in an old house they purchased together. The creative collaborators then recruited drummer Anthony Corsaro and Andy Rogers to complete their current four-piece lineup.
After two years, the quartet is ready to announce their arrival onto the music scene with their debut EP Twin House out now everywhere.
Relick Drops Expert Debut EP
The EP opens with “Offering,” a dynamic and energetic piece about the start of a new relationship. It contains a rhythmic, catchy beat underneath a series of surging guitar riffs. Meanwhile, Nicholson sings the lyrics in a powerfully soulful tone that is both deep and eloquent.
In “I Wouldn’t Lie to You,” Corsaro delivers a nice, steady rhythm while the accompanying piano adds a bright, crisp melody to it. The lyrics convey a pure, simple honesty when sung through Nicholson’s emotive vocal style. The most prominent feature of this song is the guitar solo at the 1:30 mark, guiding the song towards a skillful breakdown.
The third cut, “Sour Grapes,” opens with a keyboard synth melody that sets a pensive mood. The mood is further developed by the addition of chords chiming from the piano. Contemplative lyrics such as “All the way back home, my face was red / I’m tripping over what to say” highlight that tension and make it personal.
The song focuses on Nicholson’s feeling regarding the passing of her father, most strongly expressed by the screeching shrills and tumultuous sounds of the guitar solo at the end of the song.
“Sun” is a graceful ballad played with only acoustic guitar and keyboard synths, and with Hibbard taking on vocal duties. Its main theme? The pure, instinctive joy of seeing the sun. Euphonious and bright vocals are prevalent throughout the song. They give it a subtle warmth that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
Then there’s “Bobblehead,” where the piano and rhythm guitar sounds nicely coalesce with each other Along with that, there’s the lively guitar riffs that keep the song moving forward. Its strongest aspect is the concise, witty sarcasm of the song’s lyrics, lines like “You think you need a cue / It’s going to get the best of you.”
In the EP’s final track, “Another Life”, Nicholson’s expressive vocals carry themselves over brooding guitar hooks. The overall tone of the song is nostalgic and uplifting. It reminds listeners to remember the past but to look ahead, as well.
In a sense, Relick shows that they have one foot in the past, another foot in the present, and their eyes turned towards the future.
Stream the full EP on SoundCloud, or learn more about Relick here.
