I’ve never been the biggest fan of 80′s new wave. Not to say I don’t like it, just that I could take it or leave it. There are a few songs by bands like Depeche Mode and New Order that I enjoy, but for the most part I just shrug my shoulders.

So when I was steered toward the new album Forget by Twin Shadow and told it was a modern day New Wave album I wasn’t all that excited to review it. But I gotta say I was pleasantly surprised.

Twin Shadow is only one guy, George Lewis Jr., with a pretty spectacular voice and a bevy of Casio keyboards. He is one helluva song crafter. The album plays out as an exploration into the complexities of the human mind. With unorthodox melody weaving and familiar yet almost new to the ear keyboard styling, Lewis makes this a complex and entertaining record.

I definitely suggest listening to this album at least twice, or maybe three times before you make up your mind. For me it took twice through to appreciate it for what it is: a really well done album and a true artist at work. It’s deep and dark, but light and breezy at the same time. More Joy Division, less Flock of Seagulls, but at times a little Duran Duran-y. I won’t go so far as to say it’s brilliant, but Twin Shadow is a cool concept created by one great musician.

The video below shows that the guy has a scene of humor. It’s pretty funny and awkward, but more importantly, a pretty kick ass song.