8/10

There’s something undeniably electrifying about a record that feels alive in the room; where you can almost hear the amps humming, the glances between bandmates, and the push and pull of real-time creation. And on their eagerly-awaited debut album 'Upside Down We’re Flying', Evil Twin deliver a record that feels expansive, immersive, and bursting with personality.

Right from ‘Frost on the Lillies’, the album establishes its ambition. Waves of effect-laden guitar crash and swell over a driving foundation, creating a sound that feels both dense and fluid. It’s a bold opener that announces the record's intent, setting the tone for a project that thrives on texture and scale.

That sense of immediacy continues with ‘California (She’s So Royal)’, a track that practically dances out of the speakers. Hooks come thick and fast, layered over an infectious groove that feels effortlessly uplifting. But just as you settle in, the band stretch outward as instrumental passages twist and expand, pulling the track into something far more unpredictable and exhilarating.

Then there’s ‘In Flames’, where the mood darkens and the weight increases. The low-end drives with a hypnotic force, while the guitars burn with a more restrained intensity. It’s a standout moment that proves just how dynamic this record really is.

Tracks like ‘Red Thread’ and ‘Gym Gurlz’ further highlight that range. The former carries a wistful undercurrent, balancing distortion with melodic clarity, while the latter leans into a more playful, self-aware energy that feels refreshingly unguarded. Each track adds a new shade to the album’s palette, keeping things constantly evolving.

Elsewhere, ‘Aren’t You Lucky’ and ‘Kudzu’ bring a softer, more reflective dimension. There’s a sense of space that allows the melodies to breathe, as the layered vocals and shifting textures give them a dreamlike quality, yet still deeply connected to the album’s larger world.

By the time ‘C74’ arrives, the emotional weight is undeniable. The arrangement builds with a sense of quiet urgency, weaving together intricate musical ideas that collide in a powerful, almost overwhelming way. It’s complex, but never inaccessible, with every element serving the song’s emotional core.

Closing with ‘ETA Carinae’, the band deliver a truly cinematic finale. What begins as something sparse gradually expands into a towering conclusion, each instrument joining like pieces of a puzzle clicking into place. It’s a breathtaking end that feels both cathartic and unresolved, lingering long after it ends.

What makes 'Upside Down We’re Flying' so compelling is its balance of chaos and control. The guitars roar, the arrangements stretch, the ideas collide; but everything feels intentional, anchored by a band that knows exactly how to navigate its own universe.