The Twang has shifted and this was their third show with their new singer Lex Allyson. Although it's only been a short time, there is no question how well it works, despite the fact that differences are quite stark. Do not ask me how this is achieved, just be glad it can. In this case the formula remains the same, with such a different but equal talent. First of all, their former singer is so amazing I didn't know what to expect. In fact, I couldn't believe they were so enthusiastic about moving on, because she is that good, and will be missed. But lo and behold they came up with such a completely different singer in Allyson, that one would think it wouldn't work. When such a singer is just as good at the same time, well... they Shift Twang, because that's what they do.

Early in the set you can tell it's going to be equally special, yet a bunch of surprises await. For starters, gone are the dancing girls, at least on this night. In comes a slightly mellower but more stretched out musical performance altogether. One of the highlights of the evening was Jon Koonce sitting in on drums for Troy Stutzman for a bit, as he happened to open the show. The band played a few classic tunes I hadn't heard them do beyond their originals from their debut CD.

Allyson is a sight to behold, a songbird, as opposed to a diva. Still, the way she maintains the same spot as one is some kind of magic I can't explain. She adds an even more complex touch in the process by playing the flute, and using it in areas where it happens to really bring out the best in this band. They still do all of the same movements on stage, but perhaps on this night a little less of it. Still, it suits the whole new sound better that way, without changing anything about them. I particularly loved it when during Del Shannon's “Runaway,” (a personal favorite, by the way) I was wondering how they were going to do the killer keyboard part, and up came the flute and blew me away!

That was something I will never forget, and I hope to see it again many more times, as long as they keep it in the set. That set is full of both great rockabilly classics, such as Patsy Cline's “Walking After Midnight” and all of the killer Twangshifter staples. So far they have served as a platform for what I consider to be one premier old school contemporary female vocalist in Portland, and now they're on for a second. This new lady is just as good and unique and beautiful in her own right. One of their conveniences is they play the same venue every Thursday, as well as dates up and down the west coast, not just a local act. So join the fun and don't miss the new sound.