PRESS

Napster Features Dana and Lauren

Dana and Lauren's EP includes its own bluegrass-tastic cover, this time of 2Pac's rap classic "California Love" (they're from the West Coast, you see). It's appealing stuff, and makes us look forward to the rest of the album. Word.

Dana & Lauren's great review in Skope Magazine

"Right away when you hear these two sisters sing, you hear nothing but pleasant vibes.  Dana and Lauren compliment eachother extremely well not just as one-in-the-same siblings but also as a musical duo.  Vocally & musically, this tag team is distinctly on the same page with one another to the point where it’s scary.  Their chemistry, as recording artists, is off the charts and you will pick up on this immediately."

Billboard Magazine

A PICTURE PERFECT STORM: More than 20 years after Def Leppard brought "Photograph" to No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, the single is making its way back to the charts in an unlikely version by Southern California's Malibu Storm.

Music Emissions

Okay, I'll be honest with you.  Once I discovered these two good ole country white girls did a cover of "California Love" by 2Pac and Dr. Dre-how could I not listen to that one first?  I so wanted to hate it, but not even a minute passed before I realized I couldn't wipe the goofy smile off my face.  It's a funky tune to begin with, but hearing it played with banjo and fiddle--not to mention sung by girls that remind you of the Dixie Chicks--messes with your mind in the best kind of way.  My guess is that if 2Pac were alive today, he'd probably join them on stage somewhere to wow the audience.  This was an incredibly brave choice of covers that could have easily fallen into the "cheesy" category.  But in my opinion, the risk paid off big time.  Well done.

Dana and Lauren have something special here.  They'll charm you with the banjo and fiddle; their southern-accented harmonies are fantastic; their songs are well written, produced, and arranged.  And if all that doesn't do it for you, perhaps some bluegrass 2Pac will seal the deal.

Suite 101 Review

"Fans of Bluegrass and Country Music will love all four tracks on Dana & Lauren's new EP"  "Fans of early Dixie Chicks catalog music, Loretta Lynn and Alison Kraus will fall head over heels for the inspiring banjo, fiddle and sister harmonizing. Overall, give this EP a solid A."

CMT

This particular melding of musical styles doesn't sound as far-fetched when you consider that members of Malibu Storm once shared stages with Ralph Stanley at bluegrass festivals yet picked Rascal Flatts' producer when it came time to record their new album on Rounder Records.
 

Neufutur Magazine

“Chasing Trains" immediately touches listeners for a variety of reasons, key of which has to be the utterly compelling vocal harmonies present. Couple these harmonies with a bluegrass-heavy set of arrangements, and what results is the duo’s first single-worthy track. Where bluegrass music only gains crossover appeal every decade or so, Dana and Lauren are looking to break it big.

Give this EP a few spins if you would like to hear an invigorating and exciting take on this storied genre.

Shankman Twins featured in NY Times

If Mr. Stanley represents the best in old time bluegrass, Ryan Holladay and Shankman Twins represent its rising generation. Mr. Holladay, not even 10 years old, is an accomplished singer and instrumentalist on the outdoor festival circuit. The teenage Shankman Twins (Dana and Lauren) of Los Angeles, have been rapidly becoming well known to the bluegrass world since they began performing nationally at age 14.  Veterans of Winterhawk Festival, they have appeared on many television shows including NBC Today in Los Angeles.

D & L PensEyeView Interview

Our latest feature has seen its fair share of transformation… but the results always stay the same: pure country success.