With genre far in their dust, Mr. Twin Sister are crafting pop that begs to be heard. In an album every bit as dance-driven as it is jazz-infused, Mr. Twin Sister deliver something that challenges norms while thriving in their power. While it may seem redundant to say Bjork fans will love this album, the mix of jazz and pop Mr. Twin Sister offer is too amazingly potent to miss.

As an EDM undercurrent builds around the unique vocals of “Keep On Mixing” there’s an addictive feeling that builds from the song’s tension. Across all the infectious vocal hooks of the song, the atypical delivery in the singing affectations really make this, and the record as a whole, a unique listen. This mix of jazz and pop can feel Bjork-esque more often than not, and lets tracks like “Alien FM” feel wonderfully free and unpredictable. Though it definitely requires an open mind, this unusual performance keeps songs cool in a way that seems decidedly unintentional. “Koh-I-Noor” is notably more somber in its exploration of low-key jazz energy, while also playing with effects in a more slight manner. Even so this track is just more genre-focused, and let’s one drift off while listening.

With a menacing crawl to the organs and a smirk behind bass-heavy vocals, “Buy To Return” is easily one of the album’s most sinister tracks. Even with its light and circling grooves, Mr. Twin Sister use dynamics and sharp riffing to make the track work from top to bottom. It’s their smart use of vintage tones however that flesh out this track into a layered listen of cross-generational musical candy. Despite floating almost like the score to Twin Peaks, “Set Me Free” grooves with a hard and dirty edge that makes it satisfying to no end. As the performances themselves evolve to match the energy around them, the track takes a simple jazz improv exercise and make something moody and sharp from it. Like Kesha on art-pop overload, “Tops and Bottoms” is a funky and strange beast of a listen. While it rides its bass with a strong lean, there’s that constantly shifting delivery to keep listeners on their toes.

The Spanish spiraling on “Deseo” only serves to make it more hypnotic, especially as the open production leaves so much room to play. While the track could use a little more drive to feel like something truly catchy, it taps into that seem unique musical colour as David Byrne’s “Lazy” while feeling wholly its own. Even the jagged grooves and fun rhythms of “Taste In Movies” tend to bop more than they hang, with Mr. Twin Sister letting the vocals dance in and out of sync beautifully. It’s the bridges and instrumental refrains of this track however that will really blow you away as it manages to take you for a ride. For a frantic finish, “Jaipur” rushes out in driving percussion, with solos sprouting out at an unusual pace. Though the track holds down a much smoother sound, there’s a lot going on under the surface to push the sonic limits.

Words by Owen Maxwell