20 Years of “The Sunlandic Twins”

Graphic by Sofia Giarrusso

by Madison Decina

On April 12th, 2005, of Montreal released their album  The Sunlandic Twins, forever changing the way synth-pop filtered into the mainstream. Now two decades later, the group rereleased this record in celebration of its twentieth anniversary. I feel a deep, personal connection to this project as I have also been a twin for twenty years. While me being born was less influential on the evolution of psychedelic music, there’s still time. With this album, of Montreal redefined what music could be. And now, it's time to revisit the innovation, experimentation, and sheer oddity squeezed into this forty-one minute record.

Famously named after lead singer Kevin Barnes’ failed romance with a woman of Quebecois descent, the group officially formed in 1996, and has since unapologetically pushed the boundaries of indie music since. While their success never fully eclipsed in a commercial sense, their eccentric, genre-bending sound is still beloved by freaks and weirdos all around the world. Their ability to blend profound lyricism with experimental production has solidified them as a cult favorite, proving once again that fiscal success can (and should) not measure influence.

Since then, the group has pushed boundaries in every way imaginable. Primarily written and performed by leading man Ken Barnes, The Sunlandic Twins marked a stark shift in the group's sound. The record doesn’t just go against the grain, it completely rips it to shreds. Their earlier works, such as Cherry Peel and The Gay Parade lean into a more traditional indie rock sound. It wasn’t until 2005 that the group fully embraced the world of electro pop. While introduced on their previous record Satanic Panic in the Attic it wasn’t until The Sunlandic Twins that the group had truly found their voice within this scene.

The Sunlandic Twins is packed with songs that exemplify the band’s newfound sound.  “Forecast Fascist Future” stands out with its heavy rhythm and politically charged lyrics, offering a new side to the group’s typically playful energy. “Oslo in the Summertime” immerses listeners in bright synths, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Then there’s one of their most popular tracks, “The Party’s Crashing Us,” blending soft melodies with darker undertones, embodying the album’s mix of comfort and angst. These tracks, among others, showcase how “The Sunlandic Twins” is a masterclass in experimentation, still maintaining its influence 20 years later.

With this record, of Montreal solidified their place alongside iconic artists of the early 2000s like LCD Soundsystem and The Magnetic Fields, while staying true to their eccentric roots. From basic small town indie rock to some of the most innovative music of their time, the Georgia band’s commitment to experimentation reaches new heights on this record. Even now, two decades later, The Sunlandic Twins remains just as bold proving that unabated creativity is timeless.