With the year almost half over, Atlantans have been out and about to the many neighborhood festivals that foreshadow the coming summer months. One such festival, the Virginia Highlands Summerfest, seemed a great success with droves of patrons flooding the Virginia Highlands neighborhood to support local artists and businesses, grab some grub like the classic funnel cake (because where else can one get funnel cake), and listen to tunes from local bands. Performing on the main stage on opening day were the Twotakes, a band that is turning heads in the Atlanta rock scene. Comprised of Gio Turra (vocals, guitar), Beau Anderson (guitar), Chase Brown (bass), and Josh Riccio (drums), the group definitely caught the ear of those who braved the heat to catch their set. For this performance, they had Seth Burden of Seven Year Witch sit in on drums as Riccio had a commitment elsewhere.

When first hearing The Twotakes play, I immediately became entangled within their music. Each of their songs had intention, blending catchy rhythms, funky guitar licks, and vibrant vocals to pull the audience into the band’s grasp. Personally they reminded me somewhat of Young the Giant but with the special twist of Atlanta, which gives bands a gusto that can’t be found anywhere else.

The foursome kicked off their set with a string of originals, including “Undercover” from their album Submarine Races that really put a warm fuzzy feeling in my soul. Then the band made a pivot, with Turra asking the crowd if anyone liked Rihanna before launching into a rendition of “Only Girl” that I have been jonesing to hear ever since. Turra has some chops and range in his vocals, with some some traces of Chris Cornell that caught me by surprise. The band did a stellar job backing him up, matching his energy as the crowd started getting hyped. Keeping the audience pumped, they went into another original, “Danger Waver”—a crunchy, funky tune that got people up and dancing, even with the heat and humidity peaking for the day.

But the real icing on the cake came on their final song. Turra said the band likes to play something everyone knows to close out their sets and proceeded to lead the Twotakes into a somber, groovy tune that crept into the lyrics of the Gnarls Barkley smash “Crazy.” After this intro, the band went full jam session and kicked the cover into high gear. Turra even came out into the crowd on a chair and lead a back-and-forth, including Freddie Mercury’s famous shout.

The Twotakes left a lasting impression on Summerfest patrons that showed their determination and raw talent. With the exposure the group is getting, it’s likely only a matter of time before they are packing out shows and attracting the attention they deserve for their craft.

The Twotakes will perform again on Sun., June 16 at the Masquerade alongside OBB, Seven Year Witch, and Nocturnal Animals. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is $10. All ages.

More Info
Web: thetwotakes.com
Facebook: @thetwotakes
Instagram: @thetwotakes
Twitter: @thetwotakes