From the very first guitar note on the opening track, Twin Peaks hurtle you straight back to the ‘60s and leave you stuck in 1967’s Summer of Love. All jangly guitars, simple swooning lyrics and psychedelic scuzz, ‘Down In Heaven’ is the sound of the Chicago now-five-piece really finding their sound…and having a total blast along the way.
If you’re after variation, then this album isn’t for you. It’s also probably worth a miss if you’re into the sad, soul-searching side of indie music. It is, however, perfect if you’re up for a totally good time…and it’s kind of weird if you’re not, right? Opening track, ‘Walk To The One You Love’ is undoubtedly ‘Down In Heaven’s best and it sets a high bar for the rest of the record to follow. Its ‘60s pop harks back to the Kinks and the Beach Boys while an epic guitar solo shakes things up and hurls the track right back into the modern day.
‘Wanted You’ is also a particular highlight and sounds like the perfect soundtrack to a quirky Judd Apatow TV show. There’s a perfectly fitting nostalgia to some of the other tracks on the album, too; ‘Keep It Together’ is a brilliant scuzzed up tribute to the likes of Lou Reed and Mick Jagger, while ‘Getting Better’ takes a leaf out of Belle and Sebastian’s poppy piano happiness. The vibe of the album is summed up pretty greatly on ‘My Boys’. Vocalist Cadien Lake James sings: “Ninety miles an hour down the fucking road with my friends,” transporting you to the perfect listening scenario – roof down, sun shining, and not giving a fuck.
‘Down In Heaven’ is a great, hazy summer album. Variation and substance are perhaps a little lacking and the tracks are definitely pretty simple. However, it’s in this simplicity that the ace sound lies; Twin Peaks have built on the influences of past greats and have taken the youthful spirit and freedom of the ‘60s – which many bands try and fail to grasp – and have made something scuzzy, fresh, and just downright fun.
8/10
Words: Ashleigh Grady
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