Dark and Twisties – Ungrateful Women (2025)
Alt-folk troupe Dark and Twisties just released their debut album Ungrateful Women, and it really feels like the kind of record that asks you to slow down and give it some space. This isn’t an album that tries to grab you straight away with big moments or obvious hooks. Instead, it opens up gradually, song by song, carried by voices, stories, and a very real sense of togetherness between the band members.
Opening track, ‘This Time’, eases us in gently. I liked the guitar structure, even if it didn’t fully grab me on first listen. It feels more like setting the mood than making a statement, which makes sense as a way into the album. Things really clicked with ‘The Lonely’, which immediately gave me Americana vibes. The harmonies here are stunning, and you can genuinely feel the band’s connection to each other. The use of viola adds something special, warm and slightly aching, and it’s one of the first tracks where the emotional weight of the album really starts to show.
‘Questions’ brings a bit more movement, with the drums stepping forward and giving the song a subtle push. The intro runs a little long, but once the vocals come in, the pauses between lines really work. There’s a lot of space here, and the band isn’t afraid of letting things breathe so we can focus on the instrumentation. ‘Oh Ma Bell’ stood out for its lyrics alone: “You bring the photographs, I’ll bring the wine” feels intimate and familiar, like a shared memory. The harmonium gives the song a texture that feels both old and comforting, adding to that sense of quiet reflection.
One of my favourite moments on the album is ‘The Wild’. I love that it starts with everyone singing together instead of easing in with a single voice. There’s something powerful and welcoming about that choice. The track feels nostalgic and rooted in nature, with harmonies that rise and fall like changing weather. It captures that balance between beauty and unease that runs through the album, and it’s a great example of how strong Dark and Twisties are when they sing as one.
Tracks like ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ and ‘Grace & Dignity’ fit nicely into the flow, even if they didn’t stand out as much for me individually. ‘Oh! Johanna’ brought me straight back in. I’m a sucker for piano-led songs, and the moment where the instrumentation pulls back so the voice can take centre stage really worked.
‘Procrastination’ is one of my favourite tracks. It leans into Americana again with its acoustic guitar, but what really makes it hit is how relatable it feels. Lines like “I’ve been procrastinating / I’ve been waiting on time” land in a very quiet, honest way. There’s no judgment in it, just recognition. The background “ouh ouh ah ah” harmonies add a softness that almost feels reassuring, like being gently reminded you’re not the only one stuck in that cycle.
The title track, ‘Ungrateful Woman’, feels like a moment of collective release, with everyone singing together in a way that feels like a choir. As a listener, especially as a woman, it gives a strong feeling of belonging. Ending with ‘11 Flags’ on piano was the perfect choice.
The album leaves you with a soft sense of melancholy and nostalgia that lingers long after it finishes, the kind that quietly follows you once the music stops.
Find out more about Dark and Twisties on their official website, Bandcamp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Beast PR.
