Though the highlights of the night were inevitably reserved for hometown headliners Pup, for a brief blip on Echo Beach, Toronto belonged to five-dudes known as Twin Peaks. Ripping through an eight song set to a respectable but patchy crowd. The lack of audience crossover between the pop-punkers and garage-rockers was notable and surprising. Sure, we’re talking about two entirely different genres here, but as group entities, both occupy a similarly rock-centric indie-space. The lack of early-birds at the venue gets even more puzzling when one considers that the Chicago based group likely has a slightly larger worldwide following than their counter-parts. In any event (or lack thereof), the seasoned millennial veterans soldiered on, using the gig to springboard songs from their upcoming record Lookout Low into sonic existence.

For a group that could simply turn the amps up to eleven and deliver the more bombastic bangers from their back-catalog in a haze of messy distortion, the mix and performance here was pleasantly intricate and un-muddled. Distinguishing between the altering licks of co-lead guitarists Cadian Lake James and Clay Frankel was both simple and pleasurable, while keyboardist Colin Croom added a sort of Steely-Dan style smoothness from the side-stage.

Twin Peaks are anything but a glorified bar band. New tracks, such as “Oh Mama,” played out like a professional jam session in public. In keeping with new tunes, the night also saw the live debut of “Dance Through It”, the lead single from band’s aforementioned upcoming record. Appropriately groovy and tuneful, the track displays the band’s fullest and most mature sound yet, making for not only a winning single, but a winningly dance-able live anthem. Closing out the set-list was fan-favourite “Strawberry Smoothie”, a fruitful showcase for Jack Dolan’s deep, domineering bass lines and Connor Brodner’s hard-hitting palpitations which pulsated from behind the kit.

While tracks like “Smoothie” and “Wanted You” peppered the show with the odd “hit”, the set-list was such that the passive, middle-of-the-road fan very well could have been at a bit of a loss. The performance was energetically accessible enough to win over newcomers, and featured enough deep cuts extracted from a recent single compilation, titled Sweet 17’ Singles, to satisfy fans of the hardcore persuasion. But those stuck somewhere in between, looking for a “Butterfly” or “Making Breakfast” may have been lost in a self-inflicted personal purgatory. Despite this, for most in attendance, the sandy beach, scarlet sky, and some laid back Rock n’ Roll made for one chill hangout.

Images courtesy of the artist

The post Twin Peaks Preview “Lookout Low” at Echo Beach appeared first on Quip Magazine.

Since their debut in 2009, Twin Peaks has been fairly well received, especially by the city of Chicago, which makes sense because that’s where they hail from. Their first record, Sunken did well and even earned them a slot at the Pitchfork Music Festival. Their sophomore album hasn’t received as much praise, but still contains plenty of fuzz-drenched jangly pop songs and power chord upchucking rock songs.

Last Sunday at the Metro, Twin Peaks blasted onto a stage which was engulfed by youngsters who had love for them, much like young ladies do for One Direction. It’s hard not to go fanboy crazy over them. They’re young, attractive and they play instruments. This pretty much guarantees you’ll have women screaming in hysterics for you.

I did notice a few things though, once they started jamming. One, bassist Jack Dolan was nowhere to be seen. Two, they added a keyboardist and three, their sound was much richer and fuller than ever before. Looks like someone has put a little more effort into the production. I’ve been trolling the Internet and haven’t found any concrete evidence as to why Dolan was absent. Whether he was forced out of the band or was simply ill though, doesn’t matter. His vocal abilities were sub par and the band’s sound only prospered from his absence that night.

Their set was a mixture of both albums and went back and forth between the two genres they, themselves, straddled. It kept the vibe of the crowd undulating and helped to keep the mosh pitters at a controllable level. Whilst strumming along, Clay Frankel and Cadien Lake James bobbed violently on the stage; in an almost evangelical stupor. Ah, the power of music.

Twin Peaks receives mixed reviews from music critics. Some say they are sloppy and their only true potential dwells in their fuzz ballads like “Irene”. They do, however, have the unabashed willingness to get out there and play some raucous music and they really don’t give a shit if you think they’re sloppy or not. After the show, if you walked just outside the Metro, you could see the boys surrounded by young women in short skirts, smoking cigarettes. Say what you want, but these young men have legions of fans that are young, wild, and ready for more.

The post Mayhem and the Metro: Twin Peaks close out Tomorrow Never Knows appeared first on Quip Magazine.

Wild Onion, which drops August 5th, should prove to be a treat. Their youth is evident, though, and the show is raucous. Towards the end, Clay Frankel bashes his guitar and then flings it into the audience. Upon receiving his next guitar from the roadie, you can see him licking it. Hey Clay, share the wealth. Towards the end, Jack Dolan thanks the crowd and announces that this, Pitchfork 2014, is the highlight of their career thus far.

I was able to corner the boys on Sunday for a quick chat and discuss their upcoming album.

Rose Blanton: Your set was fantastic. Really enjoyed the stuff from Wild Onion. Can you tell me more about the production process of the album?

Cadien Lake James:  We had some help from Sister Crystals and most of it was produced here in Chicago. We ran out of time and had to produce the rest of it over the phone with Grand Jury.

RB: I noticed at the end of your set you said this is the highlight of your career so far. Did you ever think Twin Peaks would make it this far?

Clay Frankel: No (scoffs).

CLJ: We’ve always kept the faith though.

Jack Dolan:  It’s a good marker of achievement for us as band. It’s still surreal though.

RB: When can we expect the album out?

CF:  August 5th.

RB: And what label is it coming out on?

JD: Grand Jury, which is made of up alumni from Mom + Pop records and it’s distributed by Fat Possum.

RB: Oh, I love Fat Possum! Any last words for our readers?

CF: Keep reading, knowledge is power!

The post A moment with the up-and-coming Twin Peaks appeared first on Quip Magazine.