If there’s one thing Chicago band Twin Peaks knows how to do, it’s write a groovy song. And its fourth album, Lookout Low, is no exception.
The album, released Sept. 13 via Grand Jury Music, is the band’s most pleasant release to date. Twin Peaks has always released good time, happy, fun-lovin’ music and Lookout Low only heightens the love it puts in.
“Casey’s Groove” begins the album on a jam-band-esque note, with a tune that even the most hardcore Phish fan could enjoy, but it doesn’t last as long as a Phish jam. It’s perfectly timed to start the album on a high note, with wild guitars and low vocals.
It has the recognizable Twin Peaks sound with the sweet, soulful guitars, but it uses that sound to expand on what they’ve already created. “Dance Through It,” the first single released on the album, is a deep, bassy groove that shows Twin Peaks isn’t going to stop growing.
The band has strayed away from heavy basslines in the past, relying more on guitar for its genuine rock and roll sound. That song, however, is the beginning of a beautiful relationship between Twin Peaks and its basslines.
Although the band usually records in its Chicago studio, the band decided to record in rural Wales with this record. The band adapts its sound to fit the foggy Welsh air; light organ keys that float in the background, more harmonies.
“Ferry Song” takes notes from Whitney and invokes soulfulness through trumpets and heartfelt keys. Taking a line out of Whiney’s playbook does not mean, however, that it sounds unoriginal. Twin Peaks veer more toward country than soul with the song’s vocals and tune, but both Chicago bands know how to invite new styles into their music.
In the past, Twin Peaks’ vocals have been brash. Lookout Low delves into the sweeter side of the band, especially on “Better Than Stoned.” The lyrics may not make sense, but the love in the song certainly does. The power behind the lyrics are stored in the vocals—going high and low with love.
Twin Peaks haven’t released a bad album yet, but Lookout Low exceeds standards. The band expands into formerly unbreached territory, finding new ways to make Twin Peaks sound fresh and exciting. With jams like the ones on Lookout Low, it’s hard to not be excited by the album and the band.
