SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THIS TWISTED WRECKAGE – EI8HT

This Twisted Wreckage
Ei8ht
Independent

This Twisted Wreckage is the latest project from Luke “Skyscraper” James, former frontman and guitarist for the band  Fàshiön, and more recently a member of The Pull Of Autumn. For This Twisted Wreckage, he collaborates with Ricky Humphrey (Ishkah, Nature Kills, Rise) and the result is somewhat predictable but also very, very good. This is the album one would expect from James and Humphrey, and that is just fine for me.

Ei8ht is an eight-track album full of very good songs. Dark, brooding, and very musical with very strong vocals from James. The music is a 2021 take on 1980s New Wave/Goth music. This album is not Goth, but it does have the overtures of that sensibility. It reminds me of The Mission, when they were at their peak. Strong guitar work, layered with excellent use of synths and other keyboards. James and Humphrey create a dense sound that fits with the lyrics perfectly.

Lyrically, the album is dark, but there are moments of humour, such as the song “Robogirl”. However, overall, the lyrics are heavy and brooding. Songs about betrayal, current events, love (found and lost) are just the beginning. They are able to squeeze quite a lot into just eight songs. And the lyrics read like poetry. The use of language is creative and original and is a highlight of the album.

Ei8ht is a very good album. The melodies are strong and keep the listener’s attention. However, I would have liked the duo to take more chances and branch out just a little more. The talent is there, and some more diversity in style would have been very welcomed to my ears.

Overall, Ei8ht is an impressive debut by two veterans who have come together to form this band/project. The duo clearly had or have a vision for the band and the direction they wish to go. Fans of the 1980s darker side will enjoy the music. This Twisted Wreckage is going to please Fàshiön fans and it is great to hear James singing these songs in his distinct style. This Twisted Wreckage is not nostalgia, but rather a welcome visit from an old friend.

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