Malibu Storm - Malibu Storm

Malibu Storm may not have the traditional look, but no one can possibly find any fault with their sound. Twins Dana and Lauren have been playing banjo and fiddle and winning contests for many years and brother Michael contributes lead vocals. This is a terrific album and will be a tough one to beat when it is time to release another. It is traditional enough to gain the support of die-hard bluegrass fans, yet it has a fresh sound to draw in new fans as well.

'Malibu Storm' is the self-titled debut album of new bluegrass group Malibu Storm. On the outside, they may not look like your typical bluegrass type, but this trio comprised of twin sisters Dana and Lauren along with brother Michael have earned praises from legend Ralph Stanley and often share the stage with him. Michael is 19 and the girls are in their early 20's, but this California trio is bounding onto the scene and their talent demands that they be taken seriously.

The first single is a countrified version of "Photograph" that was a smash for Def Leppard in 1983. For it's first week of release it landed at no. 10 on the Billboard Country Singles Sales chart. That isn't too bad for the very first single from a brand new group. Their whole album is packed with talent and includes an instrumental that was written by the group. "Clover" was named for the family cat and your toes are guaranteed to tap along with the singing fiddle and playful banjo. "Old Hickory Lane" is another favorite of mine. It is up-tempo, has great instrumental background and showcases the incredible harmonies of Lauren and Dana. I also liked "Birdsong." It is a song about people watching. Just standing on the sidelines and watching people go on with their everyday lives. I think this is the song that draws the most attention to the kind of harmonies that comes from being a family, they sound great together. This is one talented bunch and I look forward to hearing more from them.