It’s been a while since we wrote about the Manchester based, all female duo brilliantly named Two Of the Same. We reviewed their previous single in January this year and now, eights months later, the twins Harriette and Charlotte Robinson are back with their newest song. Oh boy (or rather oh girl!), what can we say? This one is a true banger! We know, almost half of the new releases are promoted with this slogan, but in this case, we speak truth and only the truth with our hands placed on the bible of every A&R – The KLF’s own mystical artefact, “The Manual (How to Have a Number One the Easy Way)”. See? We are dead serious here!
“London” single cover, picture from the band’s archives
When we covered the girls’ previous composition, “Dancing on the Landline”, we instantly knew the band is something special, but with this release, they prove beyond any doubt that they are one of the best new acts on the Manchester music scene. And their new song is probably the finest alternative pop track we have heard this year.
The single is called “London” and is only their third digital release after “Evergreen” (issued in April 2023) and the aforementioned, “Dancing on the Landline” from December 2024. It was written over a year ago, but after being performed live and receiving a great response from the audience, it was developed into a stand alone track. “London” was written for an acoustic guitar but underwent several revisions and rewrites to suit a full live band. The final results are charming, sweet and a bit nostalgic but we absolutely love it. The cover adds additional charm to the already alluring song. Do you see the lovely couple in the picture sharing a tender kiss on what seems to be a boat? That’s the girls’ grandparents! This is a very touching tribute for their family members.
Two of The Same in Manchester during the shooting of the single’s music video
“London is a song about two people loving each other” – explain the sisters in their press release. “After losing each other, they both leave with the knowledge that the other person will always be there if they need them”. The single was mastered and produced by Luke Owens at the Oldham’s Dusk Till Down studios. Luke previously worked with many young bands from Manchester including indie rockers SHADE, Laurie Wright and The Haciendas.
So, let’s take a closer look at the track. Released on the 3rd of August, “London” is a half a minute shorter than “Dancing On a Landline” standing at 3 minutes and 35 seconds. As previous compositions, it is quite mellow, slow to mid tempo with downbeat rhythm and really impressive vocal harmonies and layering. Being identical twins, Charlotte and Harriette have very similar voice range (mezzo sopranos) and vocal tone, it’s really hard to say who is singing which part but the effect is stunning. At first glance, it sounds like one person is singing in two analogous voices at the same time. I think I finally begin to understand our own poor mother when she speaks to me and my twin sister on the phone – she can never tell us apart!
There are two very distinctive parts of the song that need to be especially praised: the beginning and around the 2 minute and 30 second mark. Both parts are almost sung a cappella, with the accompaniment of just an acoustic guitar in the background. In those moments, the listener can truly appreciate how vocally skilled both girls really are. It’s very easy to hide vocal inaccuracies under beats and drums but it’s almost impossible when the artist is singing without barely any music. The band is drawing inspirations from Alvvays, Wold Alice and Fleetwood Mac, but their music reminds me of 90’s Lilith Fair performers such as Lisa Loeb, Michelle McAdorey or Paula Cole. This is pop music but in the best sense of the word: light, uplifting, smart and utterly beautiful. Both girls will be playing live at Yes in Manchester on the 19th of September supporting Schmoo. Catch them on stage alongside their new band: Ed (guitar), Sam (drums) and Semi (bass). their shows are edgier and rockier than their singles. You can expect a cover or two from Pretty Reckless among others!
Please follow Two of The Same online:
https://www.instagram.com/two.ofthesame/
https://www.tiktok.com/@two.of.the.same
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5AH820JlmasyqE4zDqmZJw
“London” is out independently right now and you can’t afford to miss it. You can purchase tickets for the Manchester show at: https://www.seetickets.com/event/schmoo/yes-the-basement-/3148785
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 