Starting out in 2007 in Fairfax, Virginia the original line up and style for Thirteen Towers was classic pop punk. Since then, various members came and went, and a horn section was added which turned their pop punk style into a more ska/punk feel. With two full-length albums already and two EPs to speak of, this juggernaut eight-piece band has now come out with Two-Banana Habit their third EP to date. On this effort, you’ll hear plenty of horn blowing, guitar solos, harmonies, fantastic melodies, swinging drums and chants.
Lyrically, the songwriting is humorous: battling a banana addiction – hence the EP’s title – Tinderdates gone bad and the usual ‘what’s for dinner, honey?’ question. As a live act, Thirteen Towers has taken their brand of music to festivals such as Punk Island and the International Supernova Skafest. They’ve even opened shows for legendary acts such as George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic and The Mad Caddies. “Burning Bridges” starts off fast like a punk song, and with added horns the ska style really comes through. The playful and energized guitar solo and saxophone battle was tasty! As the song’s title suggests, the song is about burning bridges with a former lover. “Two-Banana Habit” gets heavier with the horns and lyrically; this one is by far the band’s most fun and comical – not to mention a chorus that’s quite catchy. “Whoa’s and Oh’s” mixes styles of ska and harder edged guitar riffs. Lindsay takes the lead vocally and she’s accompanied by another singer from this eight-person band. A couple of fantastic solos from Edson, the bass player, and saxophonist Daphne are the real highlights here. “Tinder Lovin’ Care” is another hilarious tune and it’s about finding someone to hook up with on the dating website Tinder. All I can say is, I’m thankful these kinds of sites weren’t around when I was dating. Although, I can imagine with any online dating situation the consequences are the same. Whether they turn out good or bad, I’m glad those days are over for me. “R.P.F.U.” is yet another funny tune with funny lyrics – “let’s play rock, paper, f*** you” – determines the outcome of choosing coffee or tea and other ordinary, everyday decisions. Musically, the song’s arrangement leans more in a punk rock style. The last song, “Three Drinks In” starts off with vinyl record ‘pop’ sounds and is straightforward ska. The words are about taking a chance on love, and dancing with someone you hope will be at the local dance hall. Of course, downing three drinks to gather up enough nerve to dance with that special someone works wonders. The lyrics sum up those butterfly feelings we’ve all had – “Why oh why, do I like you like I do? – Why oh why, do I become unglued.” If ska and punk genres are your musical tastes, look no further than Thirteen Towers’ Two-Banana Habit.
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