Twin Temple - Twin Temple (Bring You Their Signature Sound.... Satanic Doo-Wop) (2018)

Los Angeles-based Twin Temple, featuring vocalist Alexandra James and her partner, arranger Zachary James, are self-proclaimed Satanists who love rock and the occult.

Alexandra James has said, “To us, there is a connection between Satanism and rock ’n’ roll; they’re both very much defined by transgression, rejection of societal norms, and a fierce sense of individualism and outsider culture.” Equal parts rock and the occult, Twin Temple (Bring You Their Signature Sound…Satanic Doo-Wop) is a brilliantly subversive, Satanic doo-wop debut.

“The Devil (Didn’t Make Me Do It)” is soulful and catchy with Motown horns and early rock ’n’ roll rhythm guitar. This song is gloriously Satanic and forms a perfect union between golden age rock and the occult. “Lucifer, My Love” is a romance song about being a fool in love with the Devil. “Lucifer, My Love” sounds like a song that would be played at a Satanic 1950’s prom. With crisp, clear vocals to the accompaniment of tender organs, Alexandra James sings, “Oh Satan, deliver me from society’s hypocrisy.”

“Sex Magick” is a lively serenade with upbeat drums, a buoyant piano, and hypnotic backup singers. The lyrics are also cheeky and suggestive when the speaker says, “I am a Witch, I turn to Satan, I don’t have sex for procreation.” “I Know How to Hex You” is a jazzy dance number reminiscent of “I Put a Spell on You.” It tells the story of a spell-caster who reminds those who listen, “I know how to hex you.”

“I’m Wicked” is spooky and subtly horrifying. Throaty vocals accompany a saxophone and organs on this devilish tune that builds and deviates musically. The song has a David Lynch vibe, and sounds like a performance at the Roadhouse in Twin Peaks. “In Lvx” is a psychedelic instrumental with cultish organs, spaghetti western guitar licks, and snare drums. The song explores new musical space relative to the rest of the record and is a rewarding changeup before diverting back on course. “Santa Muerte” is a grim fandango with lyrical subversion. The speaker talks of not understanding patriarchy and Mary’s lack of virginity.

Underneath sweet piano, drum beat, and vocals, “Let’s Hang Together” is a brutal song about the speaker’s commitment to vows made to her lover. “Femme Fatale,” not a cover of The Velvet Underground song, has a carnival, circus tent tone and mood that is almost steam punk. “IN NOX” opens with cymbals, organs, bass, and horns playing wildly with manic energy. It is jazzy in a chaotic way, and is a fun way to begin wrapping up this fantastic debut.

Ending the record with meditative invocations is “Satanic Self Initiation Ritual.” The song calls upon the forces of darkness. If the rest of the record was like the 1950s, this song is the season of the witch at the tail end of the 60s. “Do what thou wilt,” the singer commands, a reference to cultist Aleister Crowley. “Do what thou wilt” basically means do what you want to do and act on your desires so long as they don’t violate others in the process. The invocation in the song makes note of that. If the end of magick is to attain personal growth, transformation, and change, then this song is sending listeners back into the world working towards that end.

Twin Temple are a fresh callback to old-school rock and the occult without relying on gimmicks. There is also something reminiscent about Amy Winehouse to their music. Set to tour soon with Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats and to play Roadburn Fest, Twin Temple are a band worth watching with interest, and their debut record is a great beginning to their story.