In a manner not too dissimilar to the burst of recordings The Sharp Pins gave the world in rapid succession, New Orleans’ own Twisted Teens have generously released three full length records since 2025 and there is no sign of a slowdown. Good to see the work ethic of Robert Pollard has torch carriers, two generations removed. Just 73 days after playing the tiny (~75 capacity) O’Brien’s, the Teens pulled a much larger crowd to The Sinclair as word of mouth did its thing.
Though the band core is centered around guitarist/singer Caspian Hollywell and pedal steel guitarist Ramon ‘RJ’ Santos, the touring band is augmented by the traditional bass and drums rhythm section as well as an additional guitarist. Don’t come in expecting the French Quarter funk of The Meters or the thick gumbo voodoo magic of Dr. John; there is plenty of groove, and Hollywell’s fresh-from-a-strep-exam vocals emphasize the lo-fi sound and primal power that draws from sources like Bassholes or Dead Moon.
I wasn’t very familiar with any of their material going in but efficient bangers like “Top Of The World Hwy No. 2” or “when the wire get cut” cut their way to front of the line in my brain. I am not sure they really needed three guitars but don’t mistake that as a complaint, the live sound was a lot fuller than the recordings. And with a cracking log fire projected on the backdrop, things got hot and cozy. They unleashed a curveball cover of “Sea Of Love” in the encore, keeping us on our toes. Keep an eye on this band!
Ravi Shavi got opening duties, and I had just seen the Providence-based band a few weeks ago when they opened for Spoon. Their set was about the same, maybe a song or two longer. Band leader Rafay Rashid put his patent leather loafers to work with some fancy footwork while playing their dance-friendly indie rock, interwoven with themes from the perspective of a minority, trying to live in and make sense of 21st century America.
“New Brown Neighbors” speaks directly to subtle and overt racism, and he introduced “Erase America” as a singalong. After two helpings, the queasy, off-kilter guitar notes that couple with the bouncy bass line of “Fresh Hell” would be my pick for newcomers to check out his work.
