While I was on the train this morning, I listened to LA-based We Are Twin’s self-titled debut EP for the first time. My feet were tapping along to the beat, I couldn’t stop smiling and I was thinking of doing something I’d never do when I’m alone in a public space – breaking into a dance. Surrounded by sleepy early morning commuters who looked as if they were dragging themselves to wherever their destinations were; I had that urge of plugging the band’s soulful, rock ‘n’ roll-inspired first track “The Way We Touch” onto a speaker. I needed a dance partner, I thought. 

For that rare boost to my usually sluggish morning, I had New Yorker Gabi Christine and Germany-raised Sri Lankan Nicolas Balachandran to thank for. And perhaps the city of Los Angeles too—for it was here where the two met and found a connection as they formed We Are Twin.

WE ARE TWIN EP, released on A&M/Octane Records, is an apt introduction of the duo to the scene. With “The Way We Touch” —a memorable soulful dance pop number, heavily infused with elements of 80s rock ‘n’ roll and electro pop production—We Are Twin sets the bar high for up-and-coming and new bands alike for achieving the formula of breakthrough first single. Here, Christine’s vocal shines through, resembling the likes of VV Brown and Marina Diamandis (of Marina and the Diamonds) with the slight edge and smokiness of Amy Winehouse. Balachandran, on the other hand is one gifted multi-instrumentalist. Taking the role of producer, he proves to be an equal match to Christine’s musical talent. He knows what he’s doing and he’s doing it right – producing accessible yet tasteful pop music without losing it’s attitude and personality.

What follows are blasts of musical goodness in a form of equally rocking numbers – “Keep On Lovin’ You” and “Cold Stone Lips.” You can easily identify prominent rock ‘n’ roll influence through it’s jangly guitars and heavier bass lines, combined with a thorough mix of electro-pop, providing great hooks and solid beats.

Adding variety to the mix, “True Love” – a slow tempo pop rock number about defining, well—true love—manages to distinguish the best of Christine’s vocal: the smokiness and it’s apparent soul as she opens up and sings, “Go take me for a ride, there’s no one else but you tonight/I can barely hear the words you say, the way your eyes speak for themselves.” This is the kind of song that will light up a venue with lighters and cell phone LEDs. Definitely perfect for singing along. 

The EP closes with the heartfelt “Don’t Tell Your Parents.” Yup, an amusingly titled track I found fondness of, for its sincerely written lyric, capturing the idea of young love and freedom. I’m uncertain about the actual story behind this song and let’s just leave any sort of interpretation to ourselves – but there’s something about the words and Christine’s soulful yet seductive voice that somehow still feels real and sincere. She sings and reminisces, “Remember the night, when you told me/Not to leave you lonely, never to leave your side,” before entering chorus – which in a way, will remind you of Gwen Stefani during her early No Doubt-era – “Don’t tell your parents, just spend the night/Oh don’t you worry, you’ll be just fine.”

To me, falling in love at first listen is similar to falling in love at first sight. It can dazzle yet deceive you. It can be brief; it might even last forever. And that’s what I think of We Are Twin; the band’s self-titled EP; their beautiful interpretations of love and fun times; and most importantly, in their ability to wow me at first listen. I value that because that doesn’t happen often. And oh, how I always wanted to dance on the train. And if that ever happens, I got my tracks ready.