The Twins of Franklin Celebrate New Release at Sold Out Icehouse

Last updated on July 14th, 2024 at 04:28 pm

Taking the stage with the largest ensemble they’ve had, The Twins of Franklin burst into their newest album This Life with “To The Moon.” With backup singers, keyboards, harmonica, soaring electric guitar, bass, drums, and acoustic guitars, the set started with a full-powered jolt of joy. What better way to celebrate their second album than sell out the Icehouse and re-inaugurate the band shifting into their new haven of Americana.

Introduced by famed producer Kevin Bowe sharing stories about their time spent recording the album, Bowe hit on the core foundation of friends Laura Lou and Becky Shaheen. Their songs come from deep and personal moments in their own lives. There’s no fluff or exaggeration, only a nucleus of authentic song-writing that gets surrounded by warm harmonies.

This was exemplified by Lou pausing before performing “The Wait” to discuss her journey with a miscarriage and painfully being patient on getting pregnant. The newest album is filled with “mom songs” that cajole you through life’s chapters and how to emotionally navigate the good and the bad. “Life by Design” is a rolling awakening of taking moments by the hand and living with purpose.

Most of the evening was spent with the added accompaniments of dual backup singers, keyboardist, and electric guitarist, which filled the Icehouse with a vast immersion into the new songs. Even their older songs like “Low” benefited from the full group treatment as the toms and bass reverberated the venue, shaking the fans in their seats. “Better Me” also struck a new avenue in their performance, feeling much more situated and confident.

Intertwined in the brimming excitement of the faster songs was two standout performances. The R&B infused song “Stay” built from Shaheen playing keys, then the band slowly working their way into the song, culminating in empowering harmonies and shimmering instruments. And “Worry” was a heartfelt ode to parenting and how to accept fretting feelings as a badge of love.

A special guest performance by Chris Koza and encore of “Golden” (Harry Styles) were both delightful surprises in what was a successful coming out for the band. In watching them play “All Your Love”, united in celebration, The Twins of Franklin have a compelling future ahead of them with these new songs. There’s a new layer of sheen in the new album that has already found a wider audience with their recent Radio Heartland performance on The Current.