Their First Time Out, the Two Tracks Find Themselves on the Right Track

The Two Tracks is actually four people — vocalist/guitarist Julie Szewc, vocalist/cello player David Huebner, drummer/percussionist Fernando Serna and the group’s newest member, bassist Russell Smith — but given their ability to create an expansive sound, their eponymous debut album finds them creating an instant connection. Szewc is one of the main reasons why; an effusive vocalist, she turns nearly every song into a moment worth savouring. The affable “Sunset Sky” is an immediate standout, but in truth there’s not a single offering here that doesn’t engage the listener practically from the get go. The sprightly, spunky “Old Victoria,” the good natured “Bird’s Eye View” and the lively take on the traditional standard “Wayfaring Stranger” finds them accelerating the energy, but even so, there are ample ballads that convey more sobering sentiments as well. Huebner’s cello playing injects an especially poignant element into the proceedings, most notably on the track entitled “Faded Lovers,” where his playing not only adds to the ambiance but underscores the moving melody as well. The pedal steel playing on”Railroading” and the rousing fiddle revelry on “Sing Me a Song” add additional embellishment, effectively augmenting the group’s front line. The fact that they operate out of Sheridan Wyoming at the base of the Bighorn Mountains probably adds to their inspiration, but they also deserve credit for sharing those sublime sentiments so well.