EVELYN BARGE
Assistant A&E Editor
Courtesy of Malibu Storm
Home Grown: Twins Dana Burke and Lauren Mills, and their brother Michael Alden grew up near Malibu Beach. The group released its album Aug. 10.
There’s a storm brewing over Nashville and, believe it or not, it’s from Malibu. Forget that it rarely rains in here, because the California group Malibu Storm is making big waves in the world of country music.
The sibling trio of Dana Burke, Lauren Mills and Michael Alden has seen success in recent months. Even before their album was released Aug. 10, their single “Photograph” peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard country singles sale chart.
Malibu Storm also received the official nod of approval from Nashville. They are scheduled to perform at the prestigious Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 17 and 18.
It’s not surprising Malibu Storm has been so warmly welcomed into the country music world.
With roots in the bluegrass tradition and years spent honing instrumental and vocal skills, their evolution to country came naturally.
Their authentic country lyrics and harmony are successfully deceiving. One would never guess the two sisters and brother actually grew up near Malibu Beach and not in Nashville.
The first track off their self-titled album reveals a lot about the trio. “Bird Song” boasts a catchy tune that might get even the staunchest country-hater humming along.
But don’t be fooled, “Malibu Storm” is a country album through and through. The “Bird Song” lyrics, which are characterized by a sappy simplicity, betray this fact.
Malibu Storm also achieves a blending, beautiful harmony that may be aided by the genetic links between singers. Growing up singing together didn’t hurt their ability to flawlessly mix their voices.
While the group certainly doesn’t forget its fan base, their first album shows the willingness and confidence to branch out in very different directions.
In fact, their first single, “Photograph,” is a remake of a Def Leppard classic. The unique remake puts a country spin on the song and features a soulful fiddle backup that compliments the group’s musical style.
“Some People’s Lives” and “Working in a Coal Mine” are also remakes of songs performed by other artists.
A true showcase of the sisters’ talents for fiddle and banjo is the purely instrumental song “Clover,” which was written by the group. Their experience in bluegrass is echoed in this delightful, fast-paced track named after their family cat.
The modern spin on tracks two through five may challenge the group’s genre, but “Old Hickory Lake” should clear up any questions about Malibu Storm’s country roots. This song is particularly reminiscent of pure country, and lead singer Burke’s twang is loud and clear. “Old Hickory Lake” won’t pave the way for a pop crossover album, but it’s a huge asset to the debut country album.
The sweet, expressive melody and heartfelt vocals of “Some People’s Lives” round out the diverse album. Balanced somewhere between country, folk and pop, this track has potential for future success on the country charts. Originally performed by folk-rock artist Janis Ian, “Some People’s Lives” may find favor with those who normally wouldn’t listen to country.
Working with admired producer Mark Bright, who has fashioned such popular artists as Jo Dee Messina and Rascal Flatts, Malibu Storm shouldn’t have any trouble getting attention from country music lovers, but their first album has its share of flaws.
Constant comparisons to the Dixie Chicks seem to plague the group. This is a tough standard to live up to, and it doesn’t help that even Malibu Storm’s official Web site touts them as having a sound similar to the Chicks.
It’s almost impossible to overlook their concerted effort to become the next contemporary country group to go mainstream. The opening riffs of “Long Way to Fall” sound more and more like an added-pop version of the Chick’s “Sin Wagon” with every replay.
Also, Alden’s vocal lead on “Light in Your Eyes” isn’t bad, but it sounds stiff and out-of-place against Burke’s light, melodic vocals on the rest of the album.
Despite its shortcomings, Malibu Storm’s debut is an enjoyable amalgamation of country, bluegrass and pop. Anticipating mainstream success similar to the Dixie Chicks would be an overstatement of this album’s appeal, but it is valuable as a first record.
Hopefully, Malibu Storm won’t blow over too quickly before they’ve had the chance to live up to their potential.
08-30-2004