Album Review: Two People - First Body

Two People’s debut record First Body draws its strength from simplicity. Born of former Snakadaktal members – and former teenhood sweethearts – Phoebe Lou and Joey Clough, the duo are a sombre, murmuring descendent of their previous band.

Recorded in a rundown room in Fitzroy, Two People dived into their past in order to bring this record to life. Lou and Clough made their first album together when they were just 14, and Phone Call revisits their teen romance, providing a rare, intimate and honest retrospective. 

The opening track I’m Tied, To You gently immerses the listener into the record; hearing its slow-rising, washed-out synths feels like stepping into a warm bath. Lou’s weighty, introspective vocals mirror The xx’s Romy Madley Croft. And like Croft, the impact of each lyric is carefully measured; sincerity forms the backbone of Lou’s writing.

Give Me Order is adorned with percussive flourishes, and swelling, grating, hollow brass drones. First Body’s overall seamlessness could be its downfall, as some of the tracks lose their distinct identity and become forgettable. That said, Two People have effortlessly built diverse and thoughtful musical landscapes, without distracting or becoming overwhelming.