I was pretty excited to hear that the 4 piece South African group, Civil Twilight had released their newest record “Holy Weather” on March 26, 2012. There last self titled album released back in 2010 had a positive review with the release of their single “letters from the sky” peaking at no. 7 on the alternative billboard charts. Fast forwarding two years later the band stepped back into the spotlight to complete their sophomore album “Holy weather”, released March 26, 2012.

‘Holy Weather’ jump starts the album with “River”an unexpected twist that made my feet tap and head nod in a way I wouldn’t expect it too coming from a  Civil Twilight album . “River’ takes a turn for the best with an eye opening catchy hook of “oohh’s” that give the song a indie edge to it that set the tone for the rest of the album. Followed is ‘Holy Weather’ which also take a bit of an indie approach with a catchy ‘hey’ chorus hollowing about in the background as well with a bit of a electronic influence. Drawing from the electronic influence,“Every Walk” seemed to turn the album around with a James Blake inspiration that perfectly break into there new signature sound. With there James Blake inspiration in place it definitely has been a part of the albums production with Blakes minimalist sound sneaking into the background of songs like ‘Surrender’ and being a big contender for intros like ‘Highway of fallen kings’. For one reason or another “Sweet Residence” reminds me of the Temper Traps’ “Sweet Disposition” which has a similar catchy tune to it with both dragging the word sweet into a catchy high pitched vocal thats pretty catchy. Farther into the album “Fire Escape” and “Move Stay” come off as yet another catchy song that fuels a dance type vibe thats fun and fresh and give the album a  little boost.Although the album projects its happy moments ‘Its Over’ stages a flashback of their first album, with an easy tempo and delicate piano that hint that they haven’t completely abandoned their past sound. Civil Twilight