Fans of Sharon Van Etten, Blonde Redhead and their ilk will find enjoyment with the moody art rock trio Born Twins from Austin, Texas
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“Born Twins features a couple of names that might be familiar to you – the latest musical incarnation of songwriters Jacq Singer Mayberry and David Lujan (Red Leaves, Bitter Birds). They’ve been in groups together since the early 2000’s, but Born Twins is their most recent endeavor, with Mayberry taking the lead on guitar and vocals”, Lujan on Drums and Bass Organ, and the addition of third member Gwyneth Lujan on keys and synth.
“Born Twins” is a reference to Philip K Dick‘s early-’70s existential exploration of reality and personal identity, A Scanner Darkly, in which the main character becomes aware of his mind being two distinct halves, processing information separately at the same time. For Lujan and Mayberry, Born Twins is their immersion into the fluidity of their music – moving back and forth, the journey onward while simultaneously embracing earlier influences.” - Laurie Gallardo, KUTX98.9
Latest Reviews
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“Tiger” is the lead track and second single from Texas based duo Born Twins‘ album Novelas Cortas (May 5). In it, bandmates Singer Mayberry and David Lujan have crafted a beautifully put together track that somehow ignores space and time. I think five minute songs are usually bloated, but this somehow ignores that gripe and I enjoyed it enough to add it to my regular rotation (not all bands get that distinguished honor).
The play between Mayberry’s subdued vocals and the resonating guitar effect are this track’s biggest strength. Listen for the subtle Wurlitzer bass synth interspersed through too. If Bob Ross were a musician, he would have made a clever little comment to the effect of “we’re just gonna add in this tiny synth line here… if you use it in the intro make sure you come back to it again, but only if you want to.”
Fans of Sharon Van Etten, Blonde Redhead, or Now Now (nee, Now Now Every Children) and their ilk will find enjoyment with the moody art rock of Born Twins. The improvisational sounding nature of their music finds a line between artsy and listenable without sounding too ostentatious… - Chris Miller | May 20, 2023
Austin Town Hall
“…There’s something in Singer Mayberry’s performance that feels like old Jenny Lewis, sort of that coy playfulness where you feel as if she’s taunting you atop a steady beat. A close ear will hear a rising guitar cut through to allow the song to swell into noisier territory, though it never over-indulges, bringing about the perfect pop balance. If you’re digging, the band will release Novelas Cortas on May 5th.” - Nathan Lankford. April 3, 2023
“Tiger,” a shoegaze classic by Born Twins, envelops listeners in a swirling haze of atmospheric guitars and ethereal vocals, producing a musical experience that is both engaging and enchanting. The luscious layers of reverb and distortion in the music wash over the listener, enveloping them in a dreamlike ambiance evoking a sense of sad beauty. “Tiger” is an example of Born Twins’ mastery of the shoegaze genre, mixing sophisticated guitar technique with evocative songwriting to create a transcendent and immersive musical trip. The guitar tones in particular were our favorite part. - EAR TAPAS - July 17, 2023
We Love That Sound
[Translated] “The Born Twins come from Austin, Texas and they are celebrating their debut album release today. 'Tiger' is the opener and also works as a can opener. The track gives a perfect introduction to the music of the Born Twins. The sound reminds me of the early things of Electrelane.” - May 5, 2023
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Past reviews
Austin Music Minute
“Born Twins features a couple of names that might be familiar to you – the latest musical incarnation of songwriters Singer Mayberry and David Lujan (Red Leaves, Bitter Birds). They’ve been in groups together since the early 2000’s, but Born Twins is their most recent endeavor, with Mayberry taking the lead on guitar and vocals. “Born Twins” is a reference to Philip K Dick‘s early-’70s existential exploration of reality and personal identity, A Scanner Darkly, in which the main character becomes aware of his mind being two distinct halves, processing information separately at the same time. For Lujan and Mayberry, Born Twins is their immersion into the fluidity of their music – moving back and forth, the journey onward while simultaneously embracing earlier influences.” - Laurie Gallardo. October 15, 2018
the Austinot
“The latest project from duo Singer Mayberry and David Lujan, Born Twins turns the indie rock formula on its ear with earnest vocals and a warm, minimalist feel. Fans of their previous bands, Red Leaves and BitterBirds, will know exactly what to expect from this dynamic twosome.
Tunes like a spot-on cover of The Cure’s “A Few Hours After This” and the insistent drum stomp of “Fall Apart” hearken back to the lo-fi days of analogue ’80s synth, with droning bass and floaty vocals. Emotional without being saccharine and disarmingly honest, Born Twins continues Mayberry and Lujan’s track record for finely crafted indie pop.” - MAY 16, 2019 BY BILL TUCKER, theAustinot
