Twin Peaks play energetic but uneven set at Electric Brixton

Almost to spite the arctic chill that swept across London last night, fans of boy band Twin Peaks turned up in great excitement to see them at the Electric Brixton. And in return, the Chicago three-piece set about delivering a high-energy show, complete with fan favourites and a few surprises thrown in for good measure.

This is a band that has truly embraced reinvention over the last few years, going from a youthful and underdeveloped garage-rock sound to their new album Lookout Low. It’s a work with all the trappings of the iconic 60s bands that have clearly influenced them, like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Some songs in the performance were evidence of this reinvention – like Dance Through It. A tight combination of quality vocals and superb timing set them on the right path, complete with showmanship and finesse. Setting bodies bopping and heads tapping, there was palpable energy in the room. They finished off the song with a strong instrumental solo, rounding off what was the indisputable highlight of the show.

If only we could have had more of the new and less of the old. Twin Peaks’s reinvention is definitely the best thing to happen to the band in years. While Tossing Tears, from the 2018 album of the same name, and In the Meadow from 2016’s Walk to the One you Love weren’t unpleasant, they just weren’t as good as the newer material. These tracks were overloaded with heavy guitar riffs and moments where it seemed like each band member was having their own personal solo – all at the same time. Whether it was over-excitement or lack of synchronisation, there was something amiss with the older songs in this performance.

This conflicted show, however, seemed to be enjoyed by all in attendance. As the audience filed out, the energy coming off the crowd was undiminished, and fans were fist-pumping all the way to the station.

Grace Walsh
Photo: Cooper Fox

For further information and future events visit Twin Peaks’s website here.

Watch the video for the single here: