Twisted Teens: The Holy Cross Tigers [Album Review]

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Twisted Teens – The Holy Cross Tigers

The Holy Cross Tigers

Twisted Teens — 2026

ReleasedNovember 6
LabelSub Pop Records
Produced ByTwisted Teens
Runtime34 min / 13 tracks

Album Review
Twisted Teens • The Holy Cross Tigers • Twangy Garage Punk

“The Holy Cross Tigers is loose, direct, and gloriously imperfect, with enough heartache, humor, and unexpected turns to keep Twisted Teens moving forward.”

Twisted Teens are striking while the iron is hot, and I am all for it. The Holy Cross Tigers is their third full-length of 2026 and Sub Pop debut, and after the scraggly power pop of Blame The Clown and the Southern folklore of Florida Water Blues, this one is Caspian Hollywell’s breakup record. Just don’t expect a mopefest. His gravelly baritone and RJ “The Razor” Santos’ sweet steel guitar still ride rattling drum machines and scrappy riffs, sounding like a porch concert one minute and a packed little club the next. Heck, Caspian occasionally sounds like he is singing directly to you from the next bar stool! What has grown is the weirdness, as dubbed out detours and stray synth loops now bleed right into the songs. The lyrics can get pretty dark, but Hollywell finds hope in seeds and flowers, and the music keeps your foot tapping and the volume turned up. The Holy Cross Tigers is loose, direct, and gloriously imperfect, proving Twisted Teens have plenty more to say.

Pivotal Tracks

“When We First Met”
A rowdy, emotionally charged standout where Caspian’s rough vocals and RJ’s aching steel guitar turn memories of early romance into a shout-along heartbreak anthem.
“I Spend My Time Crying”
A barroom country blues number that wears its sadness proudly. Caspian tells the bartender he isn’t drinking for fun, over a melody so breezy it makes you want to order another round anyway.
“Blue Rose”
A blast of twang punk that melts into a murky dub remix in its home stretch. It’s the clearest sign of where this band’s head is going possibly in the near future.

Artists with Similar Fire

Violent Femmes
For scrappy, stripped down folk punk that pairs raw confessional lyrics with melodies you can’t help shouting along to.
Black Lips
For their sloppy Southern garage swagger and country twang, where the rough edges are the whole point and a good time is never far from a bad decision.
Silver Jews
For David Berman’s conversational storytelling, dry humor, and ability to turn everyday disappointment into memorable, offbeat songs.

The Fire Note Rating: 4

The Fire Note Spin
4 out of 5

A lifelong fan of new music—spent the '90s working in a record store and producing alternative video shows. In the 2000s, that passion shifted online with blogging, diving headfirst into the indie scene and always on the lookout for the next great release. Still here, still listening, and still sharing the best of what’s new.

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