It's been a while, but she's back: the irrepressible Twinkle Time, has returned to the recording sphere with a brand-new album, A Non Fiction Fairytale. The album is literally bursting with renewed energy and positivity for the new year. Once again, she has put together a collection of upbeat, danceable, lyrically potent, and optimistic songs. With a sound that never lets up, Twinkle spells out her message with boundless enthusiasm and drive. Watch out for this one.
The album kicks off in style with the superb 'WOW U N 2 Wonder'. A unique collaboration, it introduces the Microphone Doctors, who add their own brand of didactic mayhem to the proceedings. Superb bass playing anchors the track throughout, while cleverly used space allows an array of additional sounds to swirl around the groove, adding even more controlled chaos to the mix.
'I Scream POP' lifts the tempo further with its exciting, catchy refrain, while 'You Just Gotta Dream Big', though more restrained, still packs plenty of punch. 'Truth' brings a hypnotic vibe that steadily builds in intensity. Here, the message takes centre stage, as metaphor and dance-floor energy combine to deliver the killer line: 'that's where the truth calls out your name'.
'Faith' slows things down slightly and showcases some extraordinary musicianship, while 'Fly' is even more subdued — a heartfelt ballad that provides a welcome change of pace. Here vocals soar gently over melodic piano and truly melancholy strings, adding emotional depth to the album.
Things ramp back up with 'A Super Hero', a track driven by an unrelenting groove. Here minimal bass locks in with guitar work that Alex Van Halen would surely have admired. Shades of Living Colour and Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' shine through, while keeping things punchy, fun, and accessible for younger listeners.
My absolute favourite track is, perhaps unsurprisingly, 'My Destiny'. It takes things up another notch with a riff that wouldn't sound out of place on a Led Zeppelin record, blended seamlessly with a groove that makes you want to dance all night. It's a truly extraordinary mix of sounds, with empowering lyrics that encourage children to believe in themselves — especially the importance of staying 'true to who you are'. Here personal destiny is explored with confidence and joy, leaving the listener both inspired and, as the song suggests, 'unbreakable'.
The album closes with the wonderful 'I Just Wanna Dance'. Once again, the bass playing is outstanding, supported by sparse acerbic rhythms that add depth and intensity throughout. The musicality revealed shades of perhaps Chic, or Carlos Alomar on the way. The title says it all, and the track delivers fully on its promise: when life gets you down, music is always there. A brilliant guitar solo closes the album, proving that music shredding isn't reserved for rock bands alone.
All in all, this is a wonderful comeback from an intriguing artist, who although being very active on the live circuit, hasn't released any new music for a while. Twinkle Time once again makes music with a message that's cool, melodic, and irresistibly danceable. Blending the best of the seventies and eighties with a contemporary edge, this album is sure to be a huge hit with kids.
Also, be sure to check out the video above, which shows Twinkle Time strutting her stuff with all the expertise she's become renowned for. A fabulous return from a standout artist from the USA.
Twinkle Time — unbreakable.
Sounds like a sure hit
ReplyDeleteVery exhilerating