We’re no strangers to the work of Phoenix-based rockers TWOFEW. This alt-rock group started as a trio comprised of brothers Michael Lazar (vocals, guitar, keys) and David Lazar (guitar), alongside Michael’s wife Danielle Lazar (bass). The lineup also currently includes Mike Liebbe (guitar) and John Grigsby (drums).
We’ve had the pleasure of reviewing two singles from TWOFEW in the last year, Dreamin’ and On The Run. This August they’ve released yet another single of the high caliber we’ve come to expect from this group – Fightin’ For is a great encapsulation of everything there is to love about a quintessential TWOFEW track.
Like much of their work, Fightin’ For has an unmistakable modern-alternative feel with plenty of pop elements present throughout. Melody writing is one of the band’s strongest attributes, and it’s on full display in this track. This has a warm, understated verse melody that opens up into a powerful, anthemic chorus. Michael Lazar’s voice retains its signature growl, full of grit and intensity that breathes life into the lyrics. And the lyrics are phenomenal – as they often are in TWOFEW’s songs. A poetic take on the classic subject of the trials and tribulations of a relationship, the band deftly combines specific imagery with an air of vagueness, enough detail to paint the picture but plenty of room for the listener to fill the spaces in between with their own life stories that this track brings to mind:
“And when all’s said and done
When the war’s been fought and won
Tell me did it make you feel
And when the heat has passed
When the stars have all been gassed
Tell me did it all feel real”
The band did something particularly unique with the music video they made for this song. Danielle and Michael filmed themselves at various stages of their relationship over the past five years, reenacting both the good days and the hard ones. Collectively they filmed at 15 different locations with 5 different videographers in order to capture this real-life progression of their time together. It’s an extremely unique and creative way to show the relationship that inspired the song, and watching the couple grow and evolve in real-time is captivating. You can watch the music video on their website.
Top this all off with a few tasteful, intricate guitar solos with plenty of bite, and a masterful laying of guitar and piano tracks in the instrumentation for plenty of texture, and it goes to show that TWOFEW sets the bar even higher for themself with every release. Fightin’ For is intense, expressive work that highlights the band’s strong songwriting, bold vocals, cohesion, and steadfast sense of identity. TWOFEW is undoubtedly an artist to watch and a must-listen for anyone who enjoys being on the cutting edge of alternative-flavored pop/rock.
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BELOW: Listen to Fightin’ For and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support TWOFEW by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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