Brooklyn – In an age when many young popular bands are a series of nice haircuts and boyish good looks, Twin Peaks is a welcome change. Drummer Connor Brodner, bassist Jack Dolan, guitarist Clay Frankel and guitarist Cadien Lake James all look straight of out high school, but sound like seasoned musicians. Well, maybe not too seasoned. There is something purposefully slapdash about their sound, but not for lack of know-how; rather this rock band plays with a looseness that adds to their overall “chill” vibe.

With more than one band member in an oversized shirt, they give off something of a carefree attitude, like they don’t take themselves too seriously; however, Twin Peaks isn’t a joke band, you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at the band, gathered on the Rough Trade stage, that they were as talented and promising as they are. Perhaps that is part of the wonder of a Twin Peaks show. They may look like a high school talent show, but they sound like a real band. You don’t see it coming.

When Brodner counted off in hoarse shouts, slapping his drumsticks against his thigh, there was the faintest hint of what’s in store. From there the Chicago band rocketed to life. The opening song, “Telephone,” from their recent album, Wild Onion, featured James’ mumbled vocals that could perhaps use a vocal coach, but also some admirable soloing. Similarly, during “I Found A New Way,” Frankel wiggled with such reckless abandon you almost want to laugh, but you’re too busy being impressed with his playing. The trick to a Twin Peaks performance is getting over their antics. There is an element of ridiculousness to their live show, but just wait and instead pay attention to the good ol’ fashioned rock ‘n’ roll.

Also tip your hat to the fact that where other bands are so careful about their image, Twin Peaks don’t seem to care. When James plays, he strums away with his mouth ajar, shaking his head furiously back and forth. It’s refreshing to see a band jam with such reckless abandon, with his entire body. It was so fitting that their last song, “Making Breakfast,” ended with three out of the four members playing from the floor. Rough Trade was their first of three shows Thursday, so perhaps the band was just starting on a high note. Hopefully they keep up this kind of energy for every show, because it’s truly a unique performance.

The fact that the band back up their stage presence with actual skill earns them a great deal of respect. Sure they’re goofy, but they play their instruments rather well. When James’ string broke mid-set, the rest of the band launched into an improvised instrumental. The interlude proved that the band a) paid attention in music theory class and b) has the maturity to power through any hiccup. As a result, the string break barely affected their performance with any loss in time or drop in energy. Point is Twin Peaks may look like a high school jam band, but they should be taken far more seriously than they seem to take themselves. With some refinement, their skill could really take them somewhere.

Twin Peaks have North American dates through early November, ending with Austin’s Fun Fun Fun Fest.

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Zoe Marquedant

Zoe Marquedant is a Marylander now living in Brooklyn. She recently graduated from Sarah Lawrence College where she majored in Journalism and English literature. She is a freelance journalist, who primarily writes on music and culture. Her work can be seen in Boston Magazine, Highlight Magazine as well as on rsvlts.com, mxdwn.com and Baeblemusic.com. When not writing, Zoe is probably working her way through a new series on Netflix, researching new pie recipes and collecting dumb jokes (e.g. Two fish are in a tank. One turns to the other and says, "You man the guns. I’ll drive.") Follow her vain attempts at mastering social media at @zoenoumlaut

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