Twist of Fate to Perform at Flint Park on Thursday

Steel drums and trumpet form part of the eclectic island sound that musical group Twist of Fate will bring to Flint Park on Thursday.

The band includes seven dynamic members. Adam Reist has the role of lead vocals, acoustic guitar and bass and Dayna Reist controls the steel drums as well as backing vocals. These two are the founding members of Twist.

Soon to follow were Robert Brisette and Phil Meltzer, who are responsible for playing bass and electric guitar. Jack Rielly. With the help of Josh Olivier-Mason, and Merrill Penalver, the combination of talents work to integrate instruments including electric and acoustic guitar, vocals, trumpet, drums and percussion.

Their sound is laced with an island flavor that can be described as "Caribbean rock and roll," due to their non-traditional use of steel drums.

In their early years, Twist members began to use the instruments as a foundation, opening the possibility of integrating many different genres into their repertoire. Since then, the band has delved into experimenting with reggae and ska. This too has made them one a kind, because rather than using current groups in those genres for inspiration, they instead chose to explore the Jamaican and English roots.

Their set list of songs is very extensive and dips into many different styles. Covers include Weezer's "Island in the Sun" and Sublime's "Santeria."  In addition to the many diverse tributes they have perfected and made uniquely their own, there are many creative originals.

Listeners can trace the band's development through the albums, which include Positivity, Follow the Rhumbline, and Out of the Cellar. All three discs have been in the works since the early '90s, and have remained strong throughout the past 10-15 years. The liner notes and meaning behind the songs can be found on the band's website.

It is clear by listening to their musical repertoire that Twist of Fate enjoys life in and out of the studio. Of all musical websites I've ever seen, this is the first with a page dedicated to encouraging listeners to go out and enjoy the outdoors. With one click onto the subpage "The Answer to It All," I found a list of links on the website of fun things the band members like to do in their spare time. Activities include different sources for kayaking trips on the Long Island Sound and elsewhere, as well as Westchester and New York bicycle clubs.

The multiple-genre records and performances reflect the dynamic of the group and create a feeling as cool as a relaxed island breeze. The band describes the styles of music as flowing nicely from genre to genre as a "positive, life is good theme takes the listener from one paradise to another."

Next on Twist of Fate's schedule is Saturday, July 17 at the Larchmont Shore Club, and then again on Saturday July 24 at The Tiki Bar located at Rye Playland.

Extended schedule available at Twistoffatemusic.com.

And to get a feel for the band, check out previews of the entire album, Positivity.