Twerp Verse is a solid entry that should please fans of Speedy Ortiz and might also gain them some new ones with its hints of pop. The guitars are in punk-grunge tuning, but there are recognizable hooks. Songs like "Lucky 88" and closer "You Hate the Title" have a softer sense to them; the former brings in synths and a pop-like hook and this is blended in with darker content throughout.
The album deftly combines fantasy aspects with a real darkness in its lyrics. Supernatural transformations are not uncommon: "You transformed into beast form, said you'd see me soon." This approach to lyricism gives them the same kind of depth that other Speedy Ortiz albums had.
The album details a complex relationship with trauma: both people who inflict it, on "Villain," and those who seek to apologize for it, on "I'm Blessed." As a whole, Twerp Verse is worth a listen whether you have a history with Speedy Ortiz or not.
(Carpark Records)The album deftly combines fantasy aspects with a real darkness in its lyrics. Supernatural transformations are not uncommon: "You transformed into beast form, said you'd see me soon." This approach to lyricism gives them the same kind of depth that other Speedy Ortiz albums had.
The album details a complex relationship with trauma: both people who inflict it, on "Villain," and those who seek to apologize for it, on "I'm Blessed." As a whole, Twerp Verse is worth a listen whether you have a history with Speedy Ortiz or not.