Music: Together Through Time by TWRP

Together Through Time is the latest release from the quirky band, TWRP. My only connection to them is Ninja Sex Party and the work they did along on this album but that was enough to give this a listen. It came highly recommended and after experiencing it it's definitely up my alley and worth the time invested. Defined by the sounds of the late 70's and early 80's but all woven by concepts from the future, TWRP knew what they were trying to capture with Together Through Time and I believe it succeeds.

Tracks that stand out /

Head Up High: Starts the album right with a simple build up of a drum track, strumming bass, and a synthesizer that gives off that 80's vibe we're always in need of. Female robotic vocals join in as the short introduction winds down. Feelings of cruising along a beach come to mind even if you've only seen scenes like that Miami Vice.

Synthesize Her: A melodic journey guided by a vocoder voice that is hard to not compare to Daft Punk when also matched along those groovy sounds as first heard in R.A.M. It's hypnotizing despite its easy going sound and set-up.

Phantom Racer (feat. The Protomen): A Rock Opera that befits The Protomen's participation and that is an obvious nod to Speed Racer and it's mysterious Racer X character. A fun song that is a great example of the type of range on display in this album.

Our 4fathers: Remember disco? Yeah, not sure why it ever died off because this is some good stuff.

Life Party: More vocoder. The lyrics are upbeat. However, again, the vocoder can be a turn off for some since this song is start-to-finish a piece led by auto-tune vocals.

Tactile Sensation (feat. Planet Booty): An early 90's Dance track that throws-back to a number of artists and styles of the decade mixed with futuristic lyrics and sewn back together with dabs of disco patching.

Disco Volante: Palate cleanser that joins 80's rock and roll with some disco, dance beats.

Starlight Brigade (feat. Dan Avidan): Who can hate on Avidan's vocals which seem to long for a time where they could grace the theme song an original 80's television show? The track is bit too long for my taste, though.

The Perfect Product (feat. JP Incorporated): A lyrical infomercial that at least needs to be listened once and to be shared with your friends just for its originality.

Pets: Vocoder. Song about dead pets? It sounds good but feels like we've already heard it before earlier in the album.

Thoughts /

While I do feel the album wanes a bit as it goes on due to the sheer amount of vocoder on about 4 different titles,  I also agree that the varying talents featured, as well as the range of styles advertised throughout, is more than enough for anyone who loves to reminisce over times passed.

Together Through Time is a simple listen without requiring to be heavily invested in lyrics or advanced musical techniques, and it can be bought or listened to on the group's bandcamp page.