Morning Commute

I get to do some of my most intent music listening on my morning commute. From the moment I get on the elevator in my building to the moment I sit down at my desk at work, I have my headphones in and I'm fixated on the music. It's sometimes enough time to get through an entire album. I listen to every detail, focus in on each specific instrument, decipher the lyrics, and feel the rhythm. It sets the tone for the day. I listen to music at other times during my day, of course, but the morning commute is when I am most absorbed by the tunes.

On this fair-weather Monday morning, I listened to Twin Sister's debut album In Heaven.

Twin Sister - In Heaven

The five young (average age of 23) members of Twin Sister make a cool brand of indie pop. It's pleasant, easy on the ears, and diverse. The music sounds simple and small, but it's rich, textured and subtly sharp. At times, the album is rooted in smooth lounge-pop and at other times it's bouncy and disco-esque. The record runs the gamut, it had me both gazing out of the bus window during some songs and tapping my toe to others.

Female vocalist Andrea Estella has an innocent, dollhouse-like voice that fits perfectly with the style of music. She charmingly croons over the steady flow of bass lines, electronic drum beats, and shimmering guitars, creating some truly enjoyable grooves. The lyrics are focused on little moments, specific incidents and emotions that come up during our day-to-day lives. 

This is one of those great albums that gives back what you put in. It requires multiple listening at different times, maybe even repeating a song that you find particularly catchy twice in a row. The more you listen, the more you appreciate what the band is doing. It's an enchanting experience.

Needless to say, this was a perfect album to listen to at 9am on a bus heading down Second Avenue in New York City.

Album Highlights: Daniel, Bad Street, Space Babe, Kimmi in a Rice Field, Gene Campi