Twin Shadow’s Cadet is a cohesive examination of heartbreak built on inventive production and experimental creativity. The album explores betrayal, distance and disappointment; each track brings a slightly skewed perspective on the experience of being pushed aside.

The opening track, “Dominoes,” establishes the album’s experimental nature. Beautifully deep vocals contrast with restless, techno- inspired production that bounces back and forth between fun and ever so slightly overwhelming. It’s a confident start that exemplifies the album’s interest in blending tried and true melodies with much more unconventional arrangement.

“Awkward and Backward” follows behind gently, beginning with a crisp guitar line and intimately whispered vocals. As the track progresses, both the vocals and instrumentation bulk up, adding depth without throwing the song off balance. The synth elements evoke the feeling one gets when they hear the sizzle of deliciously unhealthy food waiting for them. The lyrics “Maybe you’re right, your heart’s too good for mine,” captures the theme of reflection that runs rampant throughout the album.

With “You’re the Reason,” Twin Shadow jumps into the sound design deep end. The arrangement conjures images of an industrial setting, incorporating percussion that resembles glass being broken, metal being tossed and machinery operating in the distance. These choices complement the low, measured vocal performance and bring the album its most texturally unique track.

“Bad Times,” the track that pulls listeners in with the most ferocity, pairs upbeat production with conflicting memories of a past relationship. The divergence from lines such as “How is it that when you come around, it’s only the good times” and the later “How come when I’m thinking of you now, it’s only the good times” epitomize the album’s interest in the notion of distance making the heart grow fonder.

“Deep End” is by far the most pop-driven, as rhythmic instrumentation makes it one of the album’s most danceable moments. 

“Talk More Nice,” featuring Little Coyote, introduces a brand new vocal texture. Coyote’s slightly hoarse tone pairs well with the song’s restrained mood all while adding dimension to Twin Shadow’s creation.

Cadet is incredibly unified, with each song having different iterations of the same themes: betrayal and heartbreak. The album dives deeply into how it feels to be lied to in a relationship, exploring motifs of abandonment and the pain of being the one thrown to the side. Cadet’s success comes from the ability to present variations on a consistent theme while carefully avoiding repetition. Although “Bad Times” stands out as the star track, each song definitely pulls its weight and brings invaluable input to the album.