Naming the Twins - “Turn Styles”
Eleven months in the making, Naming the Twins’ 3rd album, titled: “Turn Styles” has, true to its name, radiated beyond the confines of Folk into a diverse range of original material.
Throughout the album, there is a subtle complexity in the musical arrangements and, at the core, an array of vibrantly lyrical, memorably melodic songs including several with large sing-along choruses.
Both of their previous albums, “Sweet Transitions” and “Drifters and Dreamers” were received warmly by the folk DJ community across North America but - let it be known - with some of the tracks on this new album, Naming the Twins are ready to branch out to other stations and new locations while retaining their current folk audience.
This time there is an undercurrent of bass, drums and percussion over which are laid acoustic instruments such as nylon and acoustic guitars, cello, harp, mandolin, flute, violin, double bass, ukulele, viola, banjo, harmonica plus some tasteful electric guitar and a touch of keyboards. The Twins’ distinct vocal blend is strongly present with a more “to and fro” approach to the lead vocals on some of the material and more intricate background vocals.
Songwriting within the duo has mostly been the work of Robbie Smith, who received recognition in the early 1980s when international balladeer, Roger Whittaker recorded 4 of his songs (one of which, “The Last Song” became a million seller).
On this CD, Kath Glauser contributes to the lyrics of several new songs - including what may be Naming the Twins’ most commercially appealing song to date: “What New Lovers Do”. Guest musician, Ryan Hupman, one of the most popular and inventive guitar players on Canada’s East Coast, shines on this rockabilly number adding some amazing riffs to the mix .
Naming the Twins have been together for 8 years and have gained quite a following - mainly focusing on the Eastern Seaboard of the US and Canada where they tour regularly. Their sound is unique and easily recognizable though comparisons have been made to Peter Paul and Mary, Ian and Sylvia, and Simon and Garfunkel with songwriting akin to Gordon Lightfoot, Stan Rogers, and John Prine.
Their creative flow is in the spirit of the 1960s but their
music is now!
The above was sourced from: Naming the Twins - Programmer's Guide