Strange Diary

Reviewed by: Max Miller

When music critics write about synthesizers, we tend to describe their sound as “icy.” There’s just something about the immaculate textures one can coax from a synth that often leaves the listener with a glimmering, crystalline synaesthetic sensation. Of course, these cold sounds can be used to make pop music that feels warm and summery. Only sometimes do these synth textures pair with music meant to evoke such bitter, wintry moods. On Strange Diary, the debut album from Brooklyn’s Psychic Twin, bone-chilling synths set the stage for a heartbroken narrative that’s as bleak and gray as a late November morning.

Psychic Twin is the project of Erin Fein, who wrote the songs that would appear on Strange Diary over the course of four years. Her journey began in Champaign-Urbana, IL, where she started composing these songs as her marriage unraveled. After her divorce, she moved to Brooklyn and continued writing new material for Psychic Twin and polishing what she had already. With producer Jacob Portrait, she constructed Strange Diary, which serves as a pristine portrait of the loneliness and confusion brought on from the tumultuous years surrounding its creation.

“Strangers” glides along on a series of propulsive, twinkling arpeggios, as Fein sings, “We don’t need to speak the same language / We just need to see each other’s hearts / ‘Cause even though we try, it’s like we’re strangers / And I don’t want to waste our time apart.” The thrumming synth-bass and ethereal backing vocals on “Running In The Dark” recall the grand centerpieces of Grimes’ breakthrough Visions. Psychic Twin’s live show now includes drummer Rosana Caban, but the beats that drive cuts like “Stop In Time” and “Chase You” are stark, almost gothic drum machine patterns, which give Strange Diary a slight retro feel while also underscoring the feelings of alienation Fein conveys with her lyrics.

We always picture our lives as having some degree of stability, when in reality they’re often a series of all-too-short periods between having the existential rug pulled out from beneath our feet. We try to pick up the pieces and move forward, but as Fein sings on compelling single “Lose Myself,” “When I go farther, I lose myself.” But there are some — namely those nutty outdoorsy types who feel invigorated when they step outside in 20 degree weather on one of those bleak, gray November mornings — who would say that it’s those uncertain moments that remind us we’re alive at all. I don’t know what Erin Fein would say about all that, but on her debut as Psychic Twin she proves that regardless of whether the journey or the destination is the true reward, she’s going to power through and go the full distance.

Rating: Listenable

Union Transfer has been on a streak of bringing in unbelievably talented and creative acts to their stage. Friday night’s sold out show exceeded expectation with opener Psychic Twin and Sylvan Esso.

Psychic Twin (photos by Holli Stephens)

Clad in all black, the three-piece lady synth group comprised of Erin Fein, Rosana Caban, and Whitney Broadstreet set the tone for the night. Their use of drum kit, synth, and keyboard back-ups behind Fein’s sometimes looped or distorted vocals created an environment of psychedelic electronic grooves. The group seemed to be in a state of shock from the enormous applause they received at the ends of their songs and humbly would say, “Wow. You guys are awesome,” accompanied by a smile that stretched from ear to ear.

The balcony, as well as floor area, was wall-to-wall with a wide diversity of energetic fans of all ages. The numbers only grew throughout Psychic Twin’s set and by the end, Union Transfer had been overtaken by people. I could feel the crowd as well as myself getting impatient during the intermission into Sylvan Esso and the familiar dimming of lights threw me into a state of relief and happiness.

Vocalist Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn were greeted by a sea of hands in the air and cries of excitement. Meath wore an all black ensemble with her signature platform sneakers that gave her at least four inches while Sanborn sported a t-shirt that read “Daddy’s Not Funny.” It would be their last show of their tour of East Coast cities before they headed out West and then internationally.

The duo had such an energy and spirit that put the audience into a musical trance and commanded everyone to dance. If you had ever listened to recorded material of their self-titled album you are certainly not getting the full experience. When Sanborn would really drop the beat after Meath had sung an intro to a song, flashes of different colored lights would illuminate behind him and he would periodically leave his deck and wave his arms around in pure conjunction with the music.

Accompanied by more than half of the audience, Sylvan Esso played through their debut self-titled album for the duration of the night. Songs included “Coffee”, “Hey Mami”, “H.S.K.T” and “Could I Be”. As the night came to a close and Sylvan Esso came back out to do an encore Meath teased, “Quick spoiler alert, we already played all of our party jams.” The duo played through a cover song of the artist Porches before slowing things down with another song from their album.

The wet weather this week didn’t dampen the spirits of Philly concertgoers, as big crowds turned out for acts like Courtney Barnett, Benjamin Booker, and Shakey Graves, but now it’s time for the sun to clear the way for a fresh batch of weekend shows. First, though, a shout out to Instagram user @ally2137 for using #phillyconcerts at the Little Dragon show last week! Follow her lead with your concert pics and posts this weekend.

Friday, October 24

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour @ Underground Arts

Get your dose of European-flavored pop with the Danish band built around vocalist Mette Lindberg and songwriter/producer Lars Iversen. After initially gaining recognition when featured in a 2008 Apple commercial, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour recently released their third album, Bring Us Together, on Hot Bus Records. Leisure Cruise opens.

Sylvan Esso @ Union Transfer

When the electropop duo of singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn was last at Union Transfer in June, they were opening for Tune-Yards and winning me over with their smooth, seductive sound. Hit single “Coffee” is only the tip of their fantastic debut album, and they will get the room moving Friday night. Psychic Twin opens.

Saturday, October 25

Temples / The Districts @ Union Transfer (early show)

After conquering the big SBC stage at XPNFest this summer, The Districts are living the dream, in town Saturday with Fat Possum labelmates Temples. I haven’t seen them since guitarist Mark Larson left the band, but I’m sure their brand of blues-rock is still in fine form. The English gents in Temples bring a more psychedelic sound, and have received a warm welcome in Philly before.

Ages and Ages @ MilkBoy Philly

The whole gang will be there as this Portland rock collective crams onto the stage at Center City’s MilkBoy Saturday night. Featuring raw, uplifting arrangements, Ages and Ages will get your spirit stirring. Also on the bill is the slightly more subtle Horse Thief and local artist Former Belle.