New Twist & Shout, the new record from Gary B & the Notions, will make you sing and make you smile, and may even make you dance a little. Gary B’s innate gift for melody and complex chord changes lay the foundation for off-kilter lyrics about girls, the changing seasons, and growing up in the offbeat town of Baltimore. New Twist & Shout showcases the band’s ability to write crafty pop songs that feel at home on the radio yet retain that indie ethic that sets good pop apart. Drawing influences from Television, Elvis Costello, and Karate, Gary B wrote more than 150 songs before forming the Notions in 2004. As Baltimore’s music scene blossomed over the past few years, he’s had the fortune of performing with many wonderful touring acts such as Sufjan Stevens, the Hold Steady, Of Montreal, The Dismemberment Plan, Elf Power, and The Mountain Goats, as well as local artists like Beach House, Celebration, Deleted Scenes, Jukebox The Ghost, and Animal Collective. On “Give Me One Reason”, Gary B sings, “Ain’t it funny how wrong we are sometimes, like the Earth shining on the Sun...” New Twist & Shout is far from wrong—it is so, so right for those warm summer days and warm summer nights, hanging with friends or cruising around town. This record is a true pop gem and should not be missed. RIYL: Elvis Costello & the Attractions, Ted Leo & the Pharmacists, Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers
