Album Review: Twist and Bend by Blackout Balter

Words by Whitney Hensley, photo provided by artist

Recently at MTC MAG, we had the chance to review Twist and Bend, the debut EP from alt-rockers Blackout Balter.  If you have ever had any sort of musical aspirations, then you have dreamed about handing your demo over to a successful musician and having them decide that you are the next big thing just waiting to be discovered.  That's exactly what happened when frontman Philip Cohen got his demo into the hands of Dave Keuning of the Killers.  Within weeks of that exchange, unsigned band Black Balter was in the studio recording Twist and Bend.

Twist and Bend is a captivating listen that easily holds your attention for all six songs.  It’s full of hard-hitting guitars, a touch of synth, and layered vocals that make you want to sing right along with Philip.  "Heavy Hand", the bands first single, has just enough pop sprinkled in with its killer hooks that any music lover will have it on rotation all summer long. Regardless of your personal music taste, at its core, Twist and Bend flows effortlessly out of the stereo and will have your foot tapping along with each song.  Luckily for us, it will be released just in time for all your summer road trips.  Twist and Bend is set to be released July 8th, but in the meantime, you can keep up with the band at www.blackoutbalter.com.

Contributed by Whitney Hensley