Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Moontwin – TSUNAMICAL (2024)

Joining the talents of musicians Melanie Garside (performing as Maple Bee) and Zac Kuzmanov, Moontwin is a powerful singer-songwriter collaboration set in the stars. The pair met in London but, when diagnosed with a degenerative muscle disease, Kuzmanov returned to his native Bulgaria one would imagine an end to their music; it didn’t stop destiny. Through phone calls, emails and online chats, Moontwin spread their mystical musical veil across time, space and distance enchanting listeners along the way. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘TSUNAMICAL’.

We came across Moontwin – the yin/yang sonic sensation – in 2021 with ‘For Your Happiness’. Skip ahead a few years, and the pair follow up their well-received track ‘Symbols’ with ‘TSUNAMICAL’. Shifting from an indie-folk wistfulness in ‘Symbols’, ‘TSUNAMICAL’ is a pounding blend of bold electronic pop sliced with 90s alternative rock and hints of dark pop dripping in the melting pot.

As with most of the melodies, Moontwin is something to experience instead of just hearing. Immersing listeners in a sonic hurricane, vivid slashes of light swoop past in a darkened rush of madness. Interestingly, while the electronic beats offer a heart-pounding urgency, a mysterious harmony keeps you sane in the off-kilter wonderland. Screaming with emotion, the rollercoaster ride of raw vulnerability is almost palpable; however, a sincere sense of strength and empowerment surges forth in the obscure music. Moontwin explain:

“’TSUNAMICAL’ takes its listeners on a dizzying trip exploring the realms of human endurance, commitment, and pure love. In this realm there is no point fighting the inevitable power of feeling… an awesome strength and unbridled fearlessness unfettered by time, space and physical limitation…”

Highlighting their versatility and innovativeness as a band, ‘TSUNAMICAL’ is miles away from ‘Symbols’. Maple Bee’s vocals are the real winner in this song as they further prompt a disconcerting but optimistically hopeful quality. Leaning toward the oddness of Garbage’s Shirley Manson, Bee kicks you with an unconventional grittiness, then scoops you up in an embracing caress.


In addition to the single, Moontwin released an official music video for ‘TSUNAMICAL’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.


THIS VIDEO USES LIGHTING EFFECTS THAT CAN TRIGGER SEIZURES IN PEOPLE WITH PHOTOSENSITIVE EPILEPSY
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

Find out more about Moontwin on their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator


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