Ottawa duo Twigg & Stone began 2011 with the release of their debut album, City Limits. Well-crafted, mellow and beautifully produced, City Limits crosses a wide array of genres. The album is an artistic experiment and certainly an ode to the pair’s mixed musical background—Twigg has gained acclaim as a local DJ while Stone performs jazz bass.
“Windows”, the album’s second track, is most notable on the record. Soft, scaling piano moves seamlessly from classical to new-wave blues and is backed by snappy percussion. Too often, instrumental music leaves listeners desiring more. The stylistic layering of City Limits, however, breaks this monotony to create a unique sound. While the songs remain separate in composition, they blend well in progression for easy listening.
The naming of each track is outstanding. “Foolish Heart” evokes specific imagery, moving with the listener as synth-piano traces a story of ill-fated relation and emotion, all without lyrical aide. Rounding out the album is by far its edgiest track, “How Far”. Just when it seems Twigg & Stone’s signature jazz-funk has been abandoned, the fast-paced synths break for bluesy woodwind. The pair described City Limits best in an email to the Journal, saying “these are not beats, they are pieces of music.”
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