Hamilton Folk duo Twin Within has teamed up with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and Hidden Pony Records for a live re-work of their 2015 album Horizontal Lines (released via Hidden Pony). The band collaborated with Chris Ledroit on the re-arrangement who has experience converting indie works to full orchestral arrangements for the Hamilton Philharmonic. Recorded live off the floor in The Great Hall at Hamilton Place, the album is available today on Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud. Watch the performance video for “Night Danger” here.
Twin Within’s original recording of Horizontal Lines featured flute and cello, so arranging for the orchestra was an opportunity to expand on those foundations in a giant symphonic sandbox. The duo, comprised of Steve McKay and Alex Samaras, decided to dream big to reimagine these songs, exploring territory not usually associated with the blue-collar rock/punk bedrock that the Hamilton music scene is usually characterized by. Two of these new recordings ended up standing out the most to the band - anthemic “Two Within” and the ballad “Night Danger”.
“‘Two Within’ is my favourite track from the original release and stands up to the new arrangement. I have never heard an orchestra groove like this in my life. ‘Night Danger’ is a car-crash tragedy living somewhere between the world of Scott Walker and Hector Berlioz. The marimbas are the engine of the car, driving everything forward accompanied by very creepy bass clarinet and pizzicato strings. Just when the bleakness becomes unbearable, the strings sweep us off our feet and into heaven.” - Steve McKay
The members of Twin Within grew up in choirs, learning piano, and playing in the orchestra. There were also blues, jazz, rock n’ roll, and hardcore bands along the way. The new re-work of Horizontal Lines is a way for the band to bring together the two worlds. They’ll also be bringing the arrangement to a live audience at The Music Hall at New Vision United Church tonight, April 27. Tickets available now.
This album was made possible by Hidden Pony Records with the support of the Ontario Media Development Corporation.
