FKA Twigs | Eusexua Review

FKA-Twigs-5-finger-review-feature

FKA Twigs | Eusexua Review

by Bea Willis

FKA-Twigs-5-Finger-Review-CDFKA Twigs is back. Six years since the hauntingly beautiful Magdalene and two years after the euphoric Caprisongs, FKA Twigs returns with Eusexua—an electrifying work that meets and transcends genre expectations. Born Tahliah Barnett in Gloucestershire, England, Twigs has always been a shapeshifter, pulling influences from all corners of pop, electronic, industrial, and avant-garde sounds. With Eusexua, she is merging her signature avant-pop sensibilities with the pulsating rhythms of techno, captured during her time filming The Crow in Prague. The result is a varying 42-minute ride that pulses with sensuality and eclectic pop power, challenging what mainstream pop can be.

The album opens with the title track, “Eusexua,” an immediate plunge into sonic uncertainty. With circling beats that evoke anxiety and Twigs’ deliberate, almost detached vocal delivery. Her tone is playful, but there’s a feeling of being on the precipice of something alien and exhilarating. The song’s pulsating synths and fragmented beats create an atmosphere of alienation and connection, setting the tone for the rest of the record, where techno rhythms clash with deeply personal breathy lyrics to form expressions of desire and vulnerability.

Twigs has described Eusexua as “a practice, a state of being, the pinnacle of human experience,” and each track on the album takes us further into that journey. There’s a feeling that she is not just creating music, but embodying a radical form of self-expression that is both political and deeply personal. Her focus on healthy sexual power dynamics feels far more meaningful than the typical disco wellness rhetoric; it’s as if Twigs is exploring the territory between pleasure and power with a subtle, yet forceful hand.

The mood shifts swiftly with “Girl Feels Good,” which draws on the bounce of 1990s pop, blending rhythmic synthsFKA-Twigs-1 with a playful, warped vocal effect. Yet, it’s not all glitter and fun. “Perfect Stranger,” the album’s lead single, feels melancholic, with Twigs singing about the safety of being with a stranger rather than risking a deeper connection. There’s a heart-wrenching tension in her voice—an intimacy coated in ice as the catchy beat and dance vibe mask the turmoil.

“Room of Fools” explores themes of chaotic freedom and control. Twigs sings, “Watch me flow,” yet her voice flutters in and out of the tension of the track, evoking the same sense of empowered vulnerability as a modern-day Kate Bush. There’s a sense of urgency in Twigs vocals as they weave over the percolating beat dance beat. The track builds with each section, providing plenty of energy to move your body.

The production on Eusexua is as dynamic as Twigs’ vocal delivery, evolving between more ambient, laid-back textures and intense, club-ready bangers. “Sticky” juxtaposes lush piano with industrial noise, a move that feels both jarring and brilliant. Here, Twigs lays bare her internal conflict with intimacy, singing about her struggle to open up and yet still desiring to be known. It’s this rawness, this vulnerability, that makes Eusexua such a striking statement of human experience.

On “Keep It, Hold It,” Twigs channels Kate Bush’s hypnotic sensibilities, drawing you into her world with a repeated chant that feels both ritualistic and celestial. As her vocals float over eerie synths, the track builds into a mesmerizing crescendo that showcases Twigs’ ability to transform delicate textures into something vast and absorbing.

However, not all tracks land perfectly. The inclusion of “Childlike Things,” featuring North West rapping in Japanese, takes the album into unexpected territory. While it’s an experiment that may appeal to some, it’s an odd detour in an otherwise cohesive album—its J-pop vibe feels somewhat out of place amidst the dark electronic landscapes Twigs has created. Despite this, the following track, “24hr Dog,” brings us back to familiar territory, exploring lust and physical desire with an intensity that recalls some of her earlier works, like Hours and Closer.

As the album closes with “Wanderlust,” Twigs takes a step back from the intensity of the preceding tracks, allowing her voice to shine in a delicate, almost fragile way. It’s here that she finds her most vulnerable moment on the album, where the sparse instrumentation intertwines with her aching vocal beauty. Her vocal textures are intricate with varying degrees of effects, evoking longing and release—an apt way to bring the listener back to earth after a journey through Eusexua‘s mind-bending landscape.

FKA-Twigs-2Eusexua blends club-ready beats with avant-garde production and a wide range of textures. This experimentation sets FKA Twigs apart from many of her contemporaries. Her voice, which at times soars with angelic beauty and at others is distorted into an unsettling tool of expression, remains one of the most captivating instruments in the recording.

Eusexua challenges the boundaries of pop music, boldly exploring the intersection of control, sensuality, and power. It’s a vision that has been years in the making, and one that stands as a testament to Twigs’ unparalleled creativity. FKA Twigs has once again questioned what it means to push boundaries in the dance-pop genre.

 

 

 

 

5 Finger Review Rating!

5 Finger Review Rating!

Artist: FKA Twigs
Album: Eusexua
Label: Young & Atlantic Records

Release Date: January 24, 2025

About the author

Author Bea Willis
Bea Willis
Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.

About the Author

Bea Willis
With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls. Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives. In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.

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