LA queer pop duo TWINKIDS return for their first release of 2019, “Eighteen.” The mid-tempo synth-dance-pop single nods to the 80’s as it shimmers, soars, and pulls at the heartstrings, culminating in a triumphant coda with wild, detuned synths and imploring vocals. “How can you love me and your future too?” vocalist Gene Fukui begs repeatedly in the most memorable line.
Gene says about writing the track:“‘Eighteen’ is about young love. It’s about looking back at a romance that once felt like it was the most important thing in the world. When I was younger I had this naïve and detrimental optimism. But life kind of happened, where money and careers took precedent and the relationship fell apart. The song is about looking back at your past self and realizing how much you’ve changed and how much other people have changed. I guess that’s terrifying in a way, like nothing really stays the same. Even something you once felt like you were going to devote your entire life to feels really distant, but it still left a hole in your heart.”
“Eighteen” follows an eventful 2018 for the duo, during which they went on a 15-date North American tour with Matt & Kim and released the singles “Jigoku Tengoku,” a twisting, syncopated pop electronica number that translates to “heaven or hell” in Japanese, and “I’m Sorry,” which arrived with a vibrant video that featured the work of 3D/e-makeup artist Ines Alpha.
TWINKIDS is Tokyo-born Gene Fukui and Floridian Matt Young, two songwriters and producers whose unabashed lyrics tackle the anxieties of being young and queer. Gene and Matt first met while studying at Oberlin College and the Conservatory of Music, whose alumni include Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Mars Volta, and Liz Phair. Their first two releases, “Dreamer” and “ACBTY,” showcased their clever blend of soulful vocal acrobatics, unexpected harmonies, and sparse percussion, taking inspiration from 70’s and 80’s J-Pop. The singles captured the attention of San Francisco-based label Om Records, with whom they released their 2017 EP “Boys Love” including the single “Overdressed,” which has accumulated over 5 million Spotify streams and counting.
With “Eighteen” comes the announcement of TWINKIDS’ sophomore EP ‘Lizard House’ (due November 22nd).
LISTEN TO TWINKIDS:
TWINKIDS – Eighteen
TWINKIDS – I’m Sorry (Music Video)
TWINKIDS – I’m Sorry
TWINKIDS – Jigoku Tengoku
TWINKIDS – Boys Love EP