Delta Twins

"Coming from Detroit, and bringing with them their hard rocking blues, Delta Twins capture the energy of a live performance and imprint it onto their 2012 album, The Seasons & The Scars. The twins themselves, Bob Young and Tom Kozanecki have only been playing together since 2009... and they are joined by a number of talented artists and all of them have brought their “A-game.

Kozanecki handles rhythm guitar and does some lead work, while the other half of Delta Twins, Young, serves as lead vocalist and keyboardist, but also throws himself behind the guitar and harmonica. Filling out the rest of the band is lead guitarist Jake Burdock, drummer Leland McCann, and Kenny Szymanski on bass.

Their skills are all revealed on the album’s opening track, “Big Shoes.” A rollicking piano intro seamlessly flows into strong guitar riffing, a chugging bass line, and crisp, forceful drumming. The grit in the guitar riff is unmistakably drawn from the blues, something reasserted within the song’s tightly played, first solo. It’s the second solo that separates Delta Twins from others as the guitar opens up to unleash a flurry of notes with a down and dirty roar. Young’s vocals are also dirty; he digs deep and lets lyrics fly with a salt of the Earth gusto that is as true as the music he’s playing.

The amount of energy that radiates off of this album is almost unheard of for a set of studio recordings. Even if it’s not a perfect record, it’s still one that demands listening to from fans of rocking blues. And just as important for Delta Twins, this also acts as a reminder to the rest of the world about the powerful music force that Detroit was and continues to be."
- Heath Andrews, Album Review (2/4/2013)

The Delta Twins have a good solid rock sound defined by live performance and heartfelt blues. Something like an early Creole Collective Soul with a dash of Stevie Ray Vaughn, the new album, King-sized Plan (live at AJ’s), is an especially cool performance that is nearly perfect in all its gritty glory. The musical themes are comforting with classic folk elements balancing the heavy-hearted lyrics.

If you’re someone that enjoys singing along to some good folk-rock-blues and looking for something new, The Delta Twins may just have what you’re looking for. It’s difficult to find music like this in all the super saturate pop-madness. The lyrics are considerate of the human condition in ways consistent with blues and folk traditions. These are songs for the working class, not only to inspire but to empower and protect. “Are We Learning” strikes a chord with the recently disenfranchised manufacturing industry, notably from the Detroit and Chicago areas. “We want more the trite apologies; Six months with no publicity, no. Just to have them reappear, the same old crap with a new veneer” lobbies for all but unsung heroes of the recession: the actual workers. A dirge for America’s next generation before they’ve even had a chance to fail or succeed runs a chill up the spine as it hits too close to home. “Are we learning?” the Delta Twins chorus asks with haunting sage wisdom. It is reminiscent of a time right before the words of Dylan’s Subterranean Homesick Blues were on the tips of tongues and folk was mutating with the blues and rock.

It’s refreshing to hear a live album, as it seems like the majority of modern bands become too reliant on their home computer production studios. With the Delta Twins, what you hear is what you get. The honesty of their sound is well surmised by the live album, which if it wasn’t for the audience cheers, would sound like it was cut in a world-class studio. There is a raw mettle every now and then that is desirable and complimentary to the bluesy style, showing just how tenacious they can be. It is clear that Delta Twins are equally competent on and off the stage, as musicians and composers of sorts, sometimes playing with up to 6 members on stage at once. And let’s not forget the Brotherhood, or the back up band for the Twins, who always add wonderfully seamless layers of harmony that give a real professional air to the band. This is the way that the blues should sound and the jams really let the guitar solos ascend to gritty greatness. Truly, these are performers as well as musicians, and it shows in both the technical quantity as well as the soulful quality of their music.

Listening to the audience sing along to “Love is the Law” is truly beautiful and the perfect ending for King-sized Plan. “Love is the law so give all you can!” choruses throughout AJ’s as the perfect ending to a wonderful show. The Delta Twins are a great band with lots of promise whose wise lyrics, heartfelt performance and consistent live shows make them a great band to follow. They put on a sweet live show and transcend the need for a studio production. King-sized Plan (live at Aj’s) is a pleasant surprise that will fill your heart with the blues and put some soul in your shoes!

Review by Julian Gorman - album review by Julian Gorman

"...an all original band that plays some serious blues with smooth vocals and clean guitars... a must see." - Joe Walters, Liberty Street Brewing Company

"Delta Twins have enough variety that gives evidence to the songwriter's creativity, without letting you lose understanding of their style. Tastes of covers like B.B. King's "When Love Comes to Town" and original blues tunes resonate along with jammy breakdowns and groovy drum beats.

"The frontman, Bob Young, voices a distinctive american-modern, rhythmic-soul far from resembling folk. Lead guitar, Tom Kozanecki, plays with grace, inviting listeners to focus their attention. As their gregarious personalities welcome your participation, they also make you laugh between songs."

- Jenna Ounanian (4/16/2011) - The Examiner

A spiritually blues-driven experience...that’s the journey the Delta Twins take you on the moment they hit the stage - Jill Jack, Singer/Songwriter/Detroit Music Award winner

The Delta Twins were an instant hit with our audience, and have a wide appeal on many levels. Their musicianship is tight, their vocals enjoyable, and their selections moved the listeners in just the right way, with sincerity and energy. They are an extremely talented group that I highly recommend. - Nancy Coumoundouros, City of Farmington Hills & Longacre Coffee House

What you see and hear on stage from The Delta Twins is pure, heartfelt, talent in music. What you may not see is the methodical professionalism and care these guys give to their art. They take pride in bringing you their very best. "Spread the Love" is a very fitting mantra. These guys ROCK! - AJ O'Neil, proprietor of AJ's Music Cafe (Ferndale, MI)