Twin Peaks just released one of the best records of the year with “Down In Heaven,” and are celebrating with a tour with their Chicago buds Ne-Hi and Jimmy Whispers. NYC has always been kind to the garage rockers and in turn they booked two shows so we could all have a chance to dance to the new tunes.
Music Hall Of Williamsburg
Opening the night was the artist known as Jimmy Whispers, who armed with his iPhone, a mic and his quick-wit, loosened up the early arriving crowd with songs of love and positivity. While he’s just one dude, he might be the perfect act to open any show, whether it be rock gig or not. He demands the audiences attention with sing-alongs and multiple excursions into the crowd to frolic and dance (not to mention borrowing a certain journalists hat without missing a beat). Mid-set, the nice suit jacket he was wearing would be discarded for a floral-print dress and along with it a failed stage diving attempt, due to the incredible amount of very-young ladies at the front of the stage unable to comprehend what was happening.
Jimmy Whispers getting warmed up
Mr. Whispers
Jimmy Whispers
Jimmy Whispers on the speakers
Jimmy Whispers
Summer In Pain – Jimmy Whispers
Jimmy Whispers and his Friend Yuki after the show
In the second slot was Ne-Hi, a high energy garage-rock band who’s sound, was not unlike their brothers in Twin Peaks. They thrashed about with a very tight set of guitar-laden ditties, with vocals being shared between the two guitarists. It was easy to see why they were chosen to open up for their windy city brethren and they took the job seriously, but with a fervor and passion that was natural and effortless.
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As soon as Twin Peaks hit the stage, the energy and smoke in the building rose quickly and would continue to grow throughout the night. One of the greatest things about this band is the harmony they have with each other, not unlike an octopus, each ‘arm’ works together with the next and so on. They feed off each other, and in turn as the show progresses, the symbiotic nature between them is so evident, it looks like you’re watching a family that lives, eats and drinks together – which essentially, they do.
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When the new tunes were played, the crowd already knew the lyrics and they wanted to be heard. The new album has a different feel to it, not that it didn’t rock as hard, because it certainly fucking does. The boys have seemed to have matured a bit musically – their chops and musicianship really shone bright while playing numbers off the new record.
Twin Peaks
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Twin Peaks is now on tour for the summer, and chances are they’ll be in a city near you. They’ll also be playing Pitchfork Music Festival, along with a handful of European dates in the fall. Full tour dates can be found here.
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Groovy Merch
Article: Shayne Hanley
