JAKEB SMITH communicates with local indie electro four-piece TWIST OLIVER, TWIST in regards to the upcoming release of their Ebb & Flow EP.

You’re releasing Ebb & Flow somewhat later than your initial mid-June prediction, what was the hold up?

Tom: It was a stupid, stupid idea. We would have been in the middle of exams.

In general, how was your experience working in the studio as a band that wouldn’t be burdened by having to track everything live?

David: Most of us have worked in studios before, but this is the first time we have collaborated with a co-producer. It was a little daunting at first to negotiate each other’s roles in the studio process. However it was great to have a perspective that was autonomous of the band. It was convenient not having to track everything live too, and to focus more on the production. In contrast, a third of our set we play without click tracks/sequencing and we really enjoy that freedom. Whenever we do use backing tracks it’s due to our use of arpeggiators or because there aren’t enough members to play all the parts we need.

Musicians tend to dramatically improve when recording, as they become really aware of all their individual parts and how they interact within a song’s sonic palette. Has the process given you guys a greater insight into your music?

David: Definitely. I think as of a result of this recording we have come to appreciate the delicacy of orchestrations. For us it comes down to trial and error. We’re looking at songwriting from a different angle now, bringing guitar and bass to the forefront of our music, with synthesisers being more complementary.

How will this affect your live show?

Tom: I can only see it improving the visual aspect of our live shows, but that’s just me – some people like watching guitarists rock out ... other people prefer to watch a guy stand there pressing keys and twiddling knobs.

Your track John The Bully seems to have a great sympathy for the titular anti-hero. What experience have you had with (or as) bullies?

David: I have a particular interest in psycho-social development. As a part of my job, I work quite intensively with families and children. This song is about the complexities of family dynamics, dysfunctional behavioural and relational modelling and the long-lasting effects of child trauma in adulthood. I’m not making any moral judgement on the fictional character.

Tom: I used to steal Dave’s tuckshop money in high school.

Where do Twist Oliver, Twist go from here?

Tom: The band’s really eager to hear people’s response to the EP. We want to play Melbourne and Sydney after the uni semester. We’re writing new stuff constantly. The material we’re working on currently is heavily guitar/bass oriented, as Dave mentioned. We’re writing the guitar first and synth last, for a change. Other than that, it’s all up in the air.

TWIST OLIVER, TWIST launch their EBB & FLOW EP at The Zoo on Tuesday Aug 12. The record will be independently released.

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