Written by Beau Croxton
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: NOVEMBER
Twisted Teens storm their way through heartbreak and into resilience on their third great album of 2026: The Holy Cross Tigers
New Orleans duo Twisted Teens had one hell of a year. Led by Caspian Hollywell and RJ “The Razor” Santos, the group has released one great record after the next in quick succession. Their sonic world lives under the rock n’ roll and punk umbrella, but they pull from many different elements of country, folk, blues, power-pop, garage rock and beyond to deliver a unique blend that results in an infectious signature sound.
In February, they released their sophomore LP Blame The Clown, which was absurdly catchy and fun– it received much deserved acclaim. Their second LP of the year, Florida Water Blues, arrived in July and it brilliantly combined the sticky melodies and punk-y power pop of their previous release with even more soul, twang and heart.
This Friday, November 6th, the group releases their 4th LP, The Holy Cross Tigers. The album feels like a full circle moment, as it widens the scope on the aching melancholy and vulnerability explored on Florida Water Blues, all while retaining all the appeal, charm and strength of their previous LPs.
The group’s delightfully DIY approach and country-inflected punk has caught the attention of many adoring new fans, including their new label Sub Pop records, who are releasing The Holy Cross Tigers and the band's catalog moving forward. But there's no need to worry about a major label signing, as this record is approached in the same way as their last few records. It's full of ragged, crunchy guitars paired with Caspian’s soulful, grizzly vocals and RJ’s swooping console steel guitar, which is all served in their signature lo-fi, DIY glory. Although it's more of a heartbreaker saga to enjoy at sunset, there are plenty of rollicking, high-energy, short-and-sweet anthems full of southern swagger, especially on the A-side.
Check out our track-by-track review for Twisted Teens - The Holy Cross Tigers
“Stalks” is a brilliant and twangy highlight that starts things off on an infectious high note. Caspian croons earnestly through the group’s swampy sound over RJ’s sweeping steel guitar. It also boasts the line “I’m willing and able to pull my horse right into your stable”, which will be quoted very enthusiastically by their fans at upcoming live shows (can confirm– stay tuned for our review of their sold-out Bowery Ballroom show). The gloriously buzzy and gnarly guitar solo caps things off in the best way possible.
“When We First Met” reinforces the notion that the group chooses their singles very wisely. It revolves around a very giddy and punkified blues vamp, as Caspian reminisces on the fresh highs of a new relationship; what a mighty lead single it is.
“Be an Angel” is a highlight that blends twang with a triumphant tone. It's the most polite “go your own way” breakup anthem, as Hollywell charismatically declares “Be an angel/ And fly off to where you fly when you are gone.” RJ’s steel guitar leads slide around the mix and shine bright over the mellow chords and effective progression. “Blue Rose” is a punky train of heartache that charges down the tracks fast. Just as “Florida Water Blues” shared a lyric from The Cramps “New Kind of Kick”, “Blue Rose” name drops “New Rose” by The Damned in its lyrics. It also introduces a theme of flowers blossoming in the dark, which is a fitting and recurring theme throughout the LP.
“I Spend My Time Crying" carries a classic feel and proves a lot of the power of the record comes from heartbroken pondering. It’s utterly relatable and supremely catchy with great guitar melodies, and RJ’s steel guitar weeps beautifully in perfect harmony with the heartbroken theme.
“Blue Flower” serves as an eerie electronic interlude, while both “I Bring” and “Look in The Mirror” sound like they could have easily fit on Florida Water Blues. The former is a catchy track that fights heartbreak with glorious, scuzzy riffage as Hollywell holds pride in what he has to offer in a relationship.
The Holy Cross Tigers tracklist honors a timeline that brings the listener through the budding of a new relationship, then through the breakup fallout, and coming out on the other side stronger and wiser. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for some detours. “Lock and Key” is a “snitches get snitches” anthem with a spooky instrumental segment that’s right on the money with the season. It’s a purely fun thematic detour that boasts amusing sing-along storytelling moments; it’s a well arranged and perfectly timed album highlight.
“Figure It Out” harkens back into a series of thematic tracks with its persistent and optimistic acoustic strumming. It’s got a brilliant crescendo with buzzy Velvet Underground-esque guitars, electronic drums, and unruly steel guitar. “Armed With a Vision” charges in triumphantly as Caspian’s hooks feel like affirmations and declarations of new life direction. The more self-affirming tracks in this part of the record feel like they should be very cathartic for their author, but it's just as charming for any listener invested in the thematic arc.
“Every Flower” kicks off with zany production and bleeping synths before being consumed by their signature garage-y sound. The track is a hazy study of things thriving in the dark: “Seeds do not flourish in the sunshine/ Overturn and cover it up with dark”.
The closing track “Darker The Night Is The Brighter I See” is one of the albums glowing best and maybe their most memorable closer to date. It’s highlighted by equally haunting and beautiful backing vocals, as Hollywell embraces a clarity found in grief. The fact that it is so stripped down, yet so effective, is quite a statement. This fantastic tune closes the 3rd chapter of their 2026 studio run beautifully.
Twisted Teens by Martin Crudo
With their latest, Twisted Teens continue to combine their punky charm with country-inflected touches (and far beyond) while bringing even more heart to the table. The album manages to confront sadness in an engaging way that highlights the process of finding resilience and reinvention through hard times. The album’s arc suggests overcoming loss by harnessing clarity and strength. Hollywell is just as charismatic as he’s been on prior records, and Santos’s console steel guitar brings even more tender beauty to the mix than before.
The group has displayed a natural progression through the three 2026 records, and The Holy Cross Tigers expands on the raw and reflective moods of Florida Water Blues with fresh themes and an abundance of great tunes. As their potent year of releases has shown, there is excellent songwriting under all their lo-fi charm and unmistakable style.
The group’s third record of 2026 carries a hefty dose of heart and soul, and it's the group’s most thematically cohesive vision yet. The Holy Cross Tigers is indeed another damn fine record from a hard working group that’s worth all the buzz. It’s a feather in the cap of their truly remarkable year; rock ‘n roll is in good hands with Twisted Teens.
Occult Highlights: “Stalks”, “Darker The Night Is The Brighter I See”, “Lock and Key”, “Be An Angel”, “When We First Met”, “I Spend My Time Crying”
(but we recommend spinning it on repeat while playing air guitar)
8.6/10
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