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TWICE
(ROUGH TRADE)
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The Tyde are headed by a pair of California brothers: Darren Rademaker, who produced Twice, handles lead vocals and guitar; brother Brent, whose main gig is with the like-minded LA pop band Beachwood Sparks, plays a supporting role on bass and backing vocals. Whereas the Sparks are built on a foundation of Gram Parsons–style country riffs and Byrdsy vocal harmonies, the Tyde’s retro tendencies are typified by Summer of Love psychedelia and Fender Rhodes piano runs, with Darren’s Lou Reedy vocals giving the lyrics a wry, knowing quality. Backed by keyboardist Ann Do, second-guitarist Benjamin Knight, and former Velvet Crush drummer Ric Menck, the brothers balance rowdy rockers (the surfer anthem "Shortboard City") with melancholy ballads ("Best Intentions") that bring out the band’s schmaltzier side. The good news is that the rockers — the smart, witty, and infectiously melodic "Henry VIII" (not the Herman’s Hermits oldies-station staple); "Go Ask Yer Dad" — dominate the album. And Darren manages to complement Beachwood Sparks’ sensibility without stepping on his brother’s toes.
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