240 Volts - The Twoks
The Twoks (Xani Kolac and Mark Leahy) are a 2 piece band featuring what initially seems a sparse line-up of Violin, Vocals and Drums until you hear them play live. Xani uses loops and with a vast set on her effects board, lays the foundation for a really full sound whilst Mark has a great light and shade dynamic on the drums.
I first saw Xani live at the Espy with her other band The Hosies and then again at the Rainbow Hotel in November where they were supported by Tim Woods. I was so impressed I bought a copy of 240 Volts.
There is not a weak track on this 6 track EP/Mini Album. 240 Volts is probably the most commercial radio friendly number of the lot but each track takes you on a journey and when you see them live, you gain a greater appreciation of the way they structure the drive of their compositions. Really this band live is refreshing, they are openly experimental and the kind of band the Melbourne scene misses.
Let You Down is another song driven by a pizzicato violin riff with numerous layers and sticks on the rims.
Take It Slowly is driven by drum mallets and has a break with squealing violins, I can imagine it more classical than pop like 240 Volts.
Northern Lights is a more haunting track and gives me a more melancholic feeling, it has a theme of winter. As someone who has experienced the Southern Lights, I can relate to this. This is akin to a Lullaby.
Living Isn't Fun it's hard it's hard. This is probably the rockiest number on the CD with a fuzz bass sound. Once again, I'm astonished how you can get that sound out of a Violin.
Take Me Home features a lot of distortion on the violin and a simple drum beat on the snare and toms. A nice reverse reverb on the violin at the end with her melodic voice is a great finish to this CD.
If you are interested in checking out more of The Twoks you can visit their website at http://www.thetwoks.com
Reviewed by: Joel Stibbard
Radio Presenter, North West FM Melbourne
December 2011
