Twin Peaks
Lookout Low
Release Date: Sep 13, 2019
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Garage Punk, Indie Rock, American Trad Rock
Record label: Grand Jury Music
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Album Review: Lookout Low by Twin Peaks
Very Good, Based on 4 Critics
Based on rating 7.5/10
Chicago's Twin Peaks' fourth album Lookout Low takes us in a different direction from their previous releases, and could be considered as some of the band's best work to date. Showcasing more experimental arrangements, their music preaches the message to keep on keeping on, despite what life may throw at you. Consisting of guitarists Cadien Lake James and Clay Frankel, bassist Jack Dolan, multi-instrumentalist Colin Croom and drummer Connor Brodner, the five former highschool friends put blood, sweat and tears into creating their latest release.
Based on rating 7/10
Whilst their 2016 LP Down In Heaven and their 2017 compilation album, Sweet '17 Singles, were bursting with lively and youthful indie rock, Lookout Low shows Twin Peaks moving away from their signature sound as they explore a multitude of different genres. Opening the album with a funk afro-inspired beat, "Casey's Grove" is the first indication that Lookout Low is not following the indie rock path that's become so familiar to fans of this band. This funk beat is then greatly contrasted by the second track "Laid In Gold" which is bristling with sliding electric guitar riffs, charismatic piano and rich trumpets giving the track a distinct country twang which is further complimented by the overly emphasised American accent heard in the vocals.
Based on rating 7/10
After establishing a reputation for raucous live shows in their hometown of Chicago, Twin Peaks quickly rose to broader indie prominence as word of their catchy, freewheeling garage punk spread. They captured that spirit on their studio and Grand Jury label debut, second album Wild Onion, in 2014. Two years later, and channeling a later version of the Stones, they offered the more reflective Down in Heaven.
Opinion: Very Good
On their first few albums, Twin Peaks had it all: dreamy guitar reverb, an ethereal aura, perfectly-timed drumming and swirling ambience - and punk rock influences when the moment called for it. But while the band previously brought delightfully euphoric power-pop to the table, they now risk veering into blissed-out background music, best listened to while driving hours down a country road. Lyrically, 'Lookout Low' offers some stunningly deep moments, but feels somewhat monotone.
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