MY WICKED TWIN (Doerner bros. from Helix) – 3 Engines (2020) *EXCLUSIVE*

Like a bolt out of the blue, MY WICKED TWIN (ex Helix brother twins Brent & Brian Doerner) have a new album out called “3 Engines“. A tight set with 10 songs in the 3-4 minute range, 3 Engines rocks.
‘Doctor Doerner’ and his bro have unleashed an album of catchy hooks that makes the songs almost familiar upon the first listen. There is that certain something that makes them easily recognisable despite being new and fresh. This different from their Helix days even though you will get some of that signature guitar sound. No matter what Brent does, the guitar always has that tone to the bone.

“Gone Nomad”, the heavier than hell opener, is a tricky number that recalls Max Webster, but amped up. “I’ve got a gun if we disagree,” sings Brent in an electronically treated voice, appropriate to the tune.
By the second track, “Light From Within”, we are in more traditional hard rock territory… until the corner bar piano kicks in. Clearly nobody was afraid of taking chances. The dark guitar hook is terrific on this one, as is the melodic bass.

Melody is also the focus of “Things I Wanna Do” a quirky modern sounding track with programmed beats and patches of keyboard. Dig the engines revving! “Give and Take” sounds like a natural followup, and it’s interesting to hear so much focus on the vocal melodies this time out. Clearly a lot of effort went into them.

“Escaping California” has a dreamy quality, with spare use of keyboards that set the scene. But it’s the following song, “House on the Highway”, that is the most fun. Who doesn’t love a little banjo? It adds variety and a little down-home quality and there’s nothing wrong with that. “House on the Highway” for the win.

For heavy, you want “Digital Veins”. The guitars and keys complement each other nicely. “Rock and roll is what I am used to,” sings Brent, but he’s also not afraid to stretch out within those confines. There’s a cool 80s vibe to “Digital Veins”.
Then “Half Broken” has an interesting rhythm to accompany the cool keys and guitars. Killer solo here. “Running Out of Time” has an accelerated pace but also some seriously tasty twang. The album ends with “Brain Dance”, a cool party tune with a serious thump. Wicked guitars, with varied tones and licks, and yes, some Helix on it.

‘3 Engines is different’, and that’s good. The keyboards add an atmospheric tone, the electronic treatment on the drums and vocals works, and complement the music.
My Wicked Twin have taken some leaps and bounds on this album, and ended up with some accomplished tunes.
‘3 Engines’ rocks, but it rocks smart.
Highly Recommended

01 – Gone Nomad
02 – Light from Within
03 – Things I Wanna Do
04 – Give and Take
05 – Escaping California
06 – House on the Highway
07 – Digital Veins
08 – Half Heart Broken
09 – Running Out of Time
10 – Brain Dance

Brent Doerner (ex- Helix) – vocals, guitars, bass
Brian Doerner (ex- Helix) – drums, vocals, keyboards
guests:
Paul Chapman (UFO) – guitar solo on “Running Out of Time”
Jim Mclean – guitar and co-writer on “Light”
Rob Kemp – guitar on “Light”
Graham Smith – bass on “House” and “Light”

BUY IT
www.amazon.co.uk/3-Engines-My-Wicked-Twin/dp/B0871TWC58