Two Headed Emperor - Wireless Of The North
Two Headed Emperor's musical journey has taken a thrilling new twist, and their evolution has been subtly foreshadowed in their recent releases. With their latest offering, "Wireless Of The North," the band has shed layers of complexity to reveal a raw and potent sound that echoes the essence of their post-punk roots. This album, embodying the spirit of a four-piece ensemble, centers around guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, adorned with occasional 80's synth embellishments and distinct woodwind elements.
Lead vocalist Barry Lamb candidly admits that "Wireless Of The North" captures the true essence of Two Headed Emperor as a quartet (even though there's only two of us).
The album steers clear of excess, channeling a sonic experience that feels akin to their seminal post-punk origins.
There's a palpable nod to the pioneers of the genre such as The Pop Group, The Slits, The Fall, PiL, and Gang Of Four, with glimpses of early Bauhaus artistry intertwined. The vitality, urgency, and vibrancy that characterized the early 80s new wave movement are effortlessly revived in this album. The tracks resonate with an energy that would have made them a perfect fit for John Peel's iconic radio show back in 1979.
However, while the musical ambiance might invoke nostalgia, the lyrical content is unabashedly grounded in the 21st century. Two Headed Emperor employs their music as a vessel for piercing critique, casting a sharp spotlight on modern culture, power structures, and the establishment. The album brims with scathing commentary that resonates deeply in today's world, offering listeners a contemplative journey through the turmoil of our times.
The recent "Hit Parade" EP may not have gained the mainstream visibility that could potentially shake up the cultural landscape, but it's evident that Two Headed Emperor isn't preoccupied with such aspirations.
Their message is tailored for those with ears to hear, those who crave substance, those seeking lyrical depth and a resonant reflection of the world around them.
In a musical era where contemporary production values often dilute the essence of bygone sounds, Two Headed Emperor stands firm, preserving the integrity and dynamism of their post-punk lineage.
In sum, "Wireless Of The North" is a contemporary manifesto of post-punk revival. It's an album that bridges the past and the present, harkening back to a golden era while boldly addressing the challenges of our own.
With its stripped-down, unadulterated instrumentation and candidly critical lyrics, Two Headed Emperor's latest opus is an invitation to introspection, an auditory testament to the enduring power of music to incite thought and spark change.
- Dr. Chemistry Set
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Two Headed Emperor – Wireless Of The North – Falling A Records
This CD is a wonderful addition to the innovative, influential and rapidly growing Falling A Records catalogue. The tracks on the album are more than observations, they are almost laments for this increasingly uncertain and unstable world in which the majority of us are trying to survive. It would be nice to somehow retain our sanity. There is always HOPE however. This music makes you question things and that is always a good idea to my mind. What’s the old adage? Don’t trust the ones who think they’ve found the truth.
Trust rather those who are looking for it. This is Progressive music whilst maintaining its original essence of DIY/Punk sensibilities, intelligently carried forth into the 21 st century.
This music is both uplifting and at times disturbing. It makes you feel things, images that are conjured up by Two Headed Emperor’s sonic art. Ace guitars from Peter Ashby, as always and Barry Lamb’s lyrics and vocal style are inimitable. Experimental, creative soundscapes from the duo meld the whole album together in an extremely interesting and appealing way whilst keeping the song aspect of the music to the fore. As always with the mighty THE or rather Two Headed Emperor, you will be enhanced, not in an AI sort of way but in a human, empathetic, sonically inspired one. The excellent and truly atmospheric black and white artwork for the CD serves perfectly, dark and mysterious, with questions as to its meaning in the context of the challenging music contained within.
Falling A Records continue to fly the flag for truly Independent, underground artists and Wireless Of The North by Two Headed Emperor exemplifies this. Intriguing stuff, excellent production throughout and oh yeah… Shan’t, Can’t, Won’t is an alternative hit with a killer of a three word chorus…
Tim Jones – September 2023
Two Headed Emperor's musical journey has taken a thrilling new twist, and their evolution has been subtly foreshadowed in their recent releases. With their latest offering, "Wireless Of The North," the band has shed layers of complexity to reveal a raw and potent sound that echoes the essence of their post-punk roots. This album, embodying the spirit of a four-piece ensemble, centers around guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, adorned with occasional 80's synth embellishments and distinct woodwind elements.
Lead vocalist Barry Lamb candidly admits that "Wireless Of The North" captures the true essence of Two Headed Emperor as a quartet (even though there's only two of us).
The album steers clear of excess, channeling a sonic experience that feels akin to their seminal post-punk origins.
There's a palpable nod to the pioneers of the genre such as The Pop Group, The Slits, The Fall, PiL, and Gang Of Four, with glimpses of early Bauhaus artistry intertwined. The vitality, urgency, and vibrancy that characterized the early 80s new wave movement are effortlessly revived in this album. The tracks resonate with an energy that would have made them a perfect fit for John Peel's iconic radio show back in 1979.
However, while the musical ambiance might invoke nostalgia, the lyrical content is unabashedly grounded in the 21st century. Two Headed Emperor employs their music as a vessel for piercing critique, casting a sharp spotlight on modern culture, power structures, and the establishment. The album brims with scathing commentary that resonates deeply in today's world, offering listeners a contemplative journey through the turmoil of our times.
The recent "Hit Parade" EP may not have gained the mainstream visibility that could potentially shake up the cultural landscape, but it's evident that Two Headed Emperor isn't preoccupied with such aspirations.
Their message is tailored for those with ears to hear, those who crave substance, those seeking lyrical depth and a resonant reflection of the world around them.
In a musical era where contemporary production values often dilute the essence of bygone sounds, Two Headed Emperor stands firm, preserving the integrity and dynamism of their post-punk lineage.
In sum, "Wireless Of The North" is a contemporary manifesto of post-punk revival. It's an album that bridges the past and the present, harkening back to a golden era while boldly addressing the challenges of our own.
With its stripped-down, unadulterated instrumentation and candidly critical lyrics, Two Headed Emperor's latest opus is an invitation to introspection, an auditory testament to the enduring power of music to incite thought and spark change.
- Dr. Chemistry Set
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two Headed Emperor – Wireless Of The North – Falling A Records
This CD is a wonderful addition to the innovative, influential and rapidly growing Falling A Records catalogue. The tracks on the album are more than observations, they are almost laments for this increasingly uncertain and unstable world in which the majority of us are trying to survive. It would be nice to somehow retain our sanity. There is always HOPE however. This music makes you question things and that is always a good idea to my mind. What’s the old adage? Don’t trust the ones who think they’ve found the truth.
Trust rather those who are looking for it. This is Progressive music whilst maintaining its original essence of DIY/Punk sensibilities, intelligently carried forth into the 21 st century.
This music is both uplifting and at times disturbing. It makes you feel things, images that are conjured up by Two Headed Emperor’s sonic art. Ace guitars from Peter Ashby, as always and Barry Lamb’s lyrics and vocal style are inimitable. Experimental, creative soundscapes from the duo meld the whole album together in an extremely interesting and appealing way whilst keeping the song aspect of the music to the fore. As always with the mighty THE or rather Two Headed Emperor, you will be enhanced, not in an AI sort of way but in a human, empathetic, sonically inspired one. The excellent and truly atmospheric black and white artwork for the CD serves perfectly, dark and mysterious, with questions as to its meaning in the context of the challenging music contained within.
Falling A Records continue to fly the flag for truly Independent, underground artists and Wireless Of The North by Two Headed Emperor exemplifies this. Intriguing stuff, excellent production throughout and oh yeah… Shan’t, Can’t, Won’t is an alternative hit with a killer of a three word chorus…
Tim Jones – September 2023