Modern Twist

Modern Twist

Let It Out
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Kristen Fisher

Modern Twist has one of the more unique, original band names. Coming from Mississauga located in Southern Ontario, Canada, their newest EP “Let It Out!” consists of five magical tracks that could either break or make a listener out of you. Claire Luxenburg (lead vocals), Rajen Mistry (guitar/vocals), Xavier Luxenburg (drums) and Matt Rulli (bass/vocals) make up this four-piece. What drew me to Modern Twist was a there was a hint of the band Garbage as well as the influence of ska and alternative (which can easily go so wrong). Not only will you find that the technical use of their instruments to be refreshing, but you’ll find that you’ll have a rush from their creativity as well.

As a four piece, the companionship is spot on. There is no need to pick out who has a more stand out position. Claire Luxenburg uses her mellow, yet valley-peaked voice to add to the majestic versatility between the heartbeats of the drums played by Xavier Luxenburg. Mistry and Rulli combine in forces to test out the grounds with guitars, bass and then there are the excellent backup vocals. And to the fact that during “Dreaming” the backup vocals are encased in echoed dreaminess, without being campy, I applaud you.

Five tracks is the maximum of what every band has nowadays to get across who they are, what they bring to the table and for your listening pleasure…maybe even a new favorite track. The urgency that focuses on a steady repetition throughout the track “4 Year Battle” and then a guitar solo that doesn’t over shadow the song, allows an intimate flow of energy that would also be showcased in a live show.

Out of all the typical, what you hear on the radio, Modern Twist brings what the name suggests; a twist to the influences that invoked them to start covering songs in the first place. Maybe you’ll be able to catch one of the many shows they’ve been performing in Ontario. - The Equal Ground