REVIEW: Twinray "The Train You're On"

The duo of Desiree Irwin and Mike Poupko, collectively known as Twinray, draws from  backgrounds rich in performance and recording and represents the convergence of diverse backgrounds and musical styles. Irwin, having worked with the likes of blues legend Buddy Guy, and having served as musical director in a theatrical setting, is an accomplished vocalist/pianist, reminiscent of artists such as Natalie Merchant and Sheryl Crow. A talented and tasteful guitarist, Poupko honed his chops playing with Chicago-based rockers Dearborn while also doing session and theater work in the Windy City.  Along with fellow members of the aforementioned band, Poupko gained notoriety by opening for a number of major acts and contributing music used on NBC television programming. Twinray's sound is an organic brand of pop with elements of rock, folk, soul, blues and country. The Train You're On is the Chicago-based duo’s formidable debut, encompassing these styles and incorporating subtle touches in mature and
uncluttered fashion.

A fresh and fun start, "Do You Want to Go" features a loping, funky groove courtesy of a rumbling bass line, Poupko's vintage Motown-styled riffs, an inspired horn section and organ. Irwin's voice, possessing a playful, girlish quality with a hint of Taylor Swift-ness, is pure and emotive as she sings feel good lyrics about hitting the open rails and taking the music coast to coast. As she sings, "I'm ready to jump in and start our life long journey," you begin to get the sense that the lyrics may be more metaphorical than anything else. "Every Day" is pretty, acoustic-based rock with Irwin offering words of comfort and encouragement. Poupkos adds a bit of slide guitar for color as the tempo skitters along, reminiscent or MercyMe's "Finally Home." Here, and throughout The
Train You're On, producer Sean O' Keefe (Plain White T's, Fallout Boy, Hawthorn Heights) reveals his knack for allowing songs to breathe, revealing lots of texture and subtleties within the grooves. For all of its artistic quality, though "Every Day" lacks a strong hook.

Irwin reveals her blues-steeped vocal roots on the pointed "Who Do You Think You Are." Rather than being vindictive, Irwin lets her subject know that she is on to him and his self-absorbed and manipulative ways. In a surprising twist, she reveals that even though she sees all of the negative qualities that she thinks she might actually have feelings for this guy, but she's confused. Apparently she either finds these qualities appealing or, as she sings "I want to see what makes you tick," she sees something more behind the facade.

Acoustic roots rock gets a bit of soul infusion on "My Heart's Not Breaking," as Irwin's vocals are revealed in their splendor. The story of a break up, her steely denial gradually melts to reveal hurt and betrayal. With a strong chorus, abundant with vocal harmonies, a smart bridge and effective chord progressions, "My Heart's Not Breaking" is clearly a highlight of The Train You're On. Poupko's hooky riffs along with the earthiness of an organ and variety of percussion serve to keep everything flowing and connected.

On "Crazy In My Mind" Irwin's wistful piano and Poupko's rustic slide and rhythm guitar bring to mind Nora Jones at her least sedate. What sounds like a tune perfect for a lounge or coffeehouse changes quite dramatically as energy builds into a cathartic bridge with heavy drums and squealing guitars. The results here are quite good with Irwin's
impassioned vocals a focal point.

The R&B-tinged "No Such Thing As Better" reveals a different and unexpected side of Twinray as a throbbing yet restrained synthesizer, congas, organ and funky guitar establish the structure. Irwin sings as she offers words of warning against the impending danger of greed and the selfish pursuit of success. As she sings, "Enticed by Eve and her apple / Bright and red made of plastic / When it's gone there's nothing but the core / And you're left wanting more / There's no such thing as better when you've got to best", the message is loud and clear. "No Such Thing As Better" proves to be a high-water mark for The Train You're On in terms of structure, meaning, and Irwin's vocal prowess.

"You Can't Be Found" is an understated yet heartfelt ballad, filled with yearning for emotional intimacy. Soaring vocals, folk-jazz guitar, and violins are layered and woven together nicely. Lyrically introspective, Irwin reveals a disarming vulnerability as she expresses the frustration of searching for an evasive love. The bubbly Sheryl Crow-
like "Twisted" showcases Poupko's guitar playing as well as ambient qualities in O'
Keefe's production technique.

With its shifting and shuffling rhythm, "Sleeping Prophet" doesn't connect quite as well as some of the stronger tracks on the album, despite some cool backing vocals and piano parts. "Waiting," with its acoustic guitar, subtle horn charts and lush, yet spacious arrangements, brings The Train You're On to a strong and tasteful conclusion. Poupko's distorted guitar, reminiscent of Paul McCartney & Wings, offers a pleasant touch, augmenting the retro feel already in place. Irwin's vocals are warm and rich as she articulates the struggles of being patient while trying to see and experience the blessings of the present.

Twinray's The Train You're On is an impressive debut. It’s not without flaws, but containing a number of gems, revealing terrific interplay and musicianship along with quality songwriting.

Review by Mike Roots
Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)