The Twin Peaks boys are back in town with ‘Down In Heaven’
May 16, 2016
Chicago rockers Twin Peaks are back at it with their third album “Down In Heaven.” Twin Peaks consists of two guitarists, Cadien Lake James and Clay Frankel, bassist Jack Dolan, keyboardist Colin Croom and drummer Connor Brodner. These guys formed way back when they were in high school, and they soon dropped their debut album “Sunken” in 2013, then “Wild Onion” in 2014. After a tour through Australia, Twin Peaks released “Down In Heaven” on Friday the 13th, a unusually lucky day for fans.
First single “Walk to the One You Love” starts off with a sort of poppy guitar sound blended with a nostalgic vintage twang that brings back memories of carnivals and baseball stadiums. “Wanted You” slows it down, Frankel somberly singing holding my own hand, walking all alone down a road but swelling to the chorus I wanted you, but you didn’t want me! The romantic theme of the album continues, but changes pace with seventh track “Heavenly Showers,” an acoustic ballad with an unexpected horn line. A sweet effort, but they admittedly lose their energy with the acoustics.
Be sure to turn up the volume on tracks like “Keep It Together;” just imagine the force of this song played live. Each band member lends their voice to a track or two, creating an even playing field for these musicians and a unique listening experience for dedicated fans. The newer keyboard sound from Croom shines through in “Getting Better,” and “Cold Lips” has that same sort of subliminal organ-keyboard magic with horns mixed in. “My Boys” sets a scene of summertime and sounds like the poppy sort of jam you’d hear in a Coke commercial.
Standout singles include the ba-ba-ba of the intense “Butterfly,” insisting that in a little while, I’ll be gone, and the charming hook of “Holding Roses.” A romantic and swirling guitar rhythm hints at influences from The Rolling Stones, especially their signature 1978 song “Beast of Burden.” The romanticism in rock and roll continues on “You Don’t,” which delivers the soft sweetness fans never knew they craved from Twin Peaks.
The live energy of Twin Peaks is unbeatable. Just watch them play “Flavor” from their sophomore album live at the 100 Club. They all shout the lyrics in unison, James whips his head around so fast it seems as though he has two faces and Brodner lets his tongue fly free. It’s nice to see younger bands keeping the tradition of rock and roll alive. Twin Peaks are not trying to prove anything musically; they don’t need to. These boys have their vintage chops in tune, and they can afford to get a little sloppy if they want. They’re really just happy about being a band of genuine dudes and going on tours, hanging out with their fans.
Twin Peaks played two great shows in one cold winter night at Total Drag on Feb. 26. If you were sneaky enough to stick around for both of their sold out sets, you probably met them and hung out with fellow Chicago rockers Uh Bones on their shared tour. Enjoy the photo gallery from that night captured by local photographer Merecedes Nelson below. If you want to see these dudes live, catch tour information here. These boys will be back in town once again on June 13 at Total Drag.
