I wanted to review Beyonce’s Lemonade. Then I found that it’s available exclusively on Tidal.

So then I decided I’d review Chance The Rapper’s Coloring Book. As I soon found out, that is only available on Apple Music

Dear musicians: STOP DOING THIS. Seriously. It’s really annoying, and I’m never going to download this stuff no matter how easy it is

So here’s a review of Twin Peaks’ Down in Heaven instead. I don’t really know much about Twin Peaks at all, except that they have the same name as my favorite TV show, and that they have a song called “Making Breakfast” or something along those lines that I heard while shuffling through some indie rock playlist. I don’t remember the song very well, but I liked it I guess.

Essentially, I went into this one mostly blind. And while it didn’t leave much of an impression on me, it was pretty good. I don’t know if that sentiment makes sense, but whatever.

It’s a shame, I was really looking forward to listening to Lemonade.

The Performance

The musical performances on this album are a major standout, sort of in the way they were on the previously reviewed Human Ceremony by Sunflower Bean.

But while that album took musical cues from ‘70s hard rock, this one is very clearly (almost too clear,) inspired by ‘60s psychedelic pop, with the occasional foray into power pop.

The music is eerily reminiscent of The Beatles, which is kind of an obvious thing to say, seeing as how The Beatles’ influence goes without saying. Nevertheless, what I say is true.

Songs such as “You Don’t” display a keen Beatles-based pop and AM radio sensibility, which is pretty refreshing, coming from the generally more pretentious indie rock scene.

The music is also very laid-back and chill, perfect for an afternoon spent indoors without any human contact, slowly becoming content with the fact that you are an antisocial and pathetic human being.

Some may find this boring, others may find it relaxing. Personally, I was already tired while listening to it so I can’t really say. I had to stay up the entire night before to study for a 200 point Chemistry test that I ended up getting an 89 on. I hate myself.

Altogether, Twin Peaks is obviously in touch with classic rock tropes in a fashion similar to Harry Nilsson or Big Star. Pretty cool.

The Lyrics

The lyrics on this LP paint abstract, nostalgic images of longing and other adolescent feelings.

It’s in a vein that’s similar largely to the aforementioned Big Star, who are famous for songs such as “Thirteen,” that contain romanticized, wistful lyricism.

I hate this stuff so much.

This album is so lyrically underdeveloped, I’m having major trouble coming up with anything to say about it. I promise it isn’t just out of laziness.

The corniness of the lyrics is the first thing that sticks out to me. Lyrics about growing up and experiencing love for the first time are really, really stupid and unbearable. I often found myself cringing at some of these lyrics.

The lyrics are so overstuffed with cliches, they’re instantly forgettable. I couldn’t tell you a single lyric I like from this album, not only because I hate them all, but because I can’t even remember them for the life of me.

The lyrics left absolutely no impression on me whatsoever, and this is a major fault.

The Verdict

This album is concise and skillful musically, but boring and homogenous from a purely lyrical standpoint, Best listened to when you’re feeling really crappy.

But at least it’s not available only on Tidal!

Grade: B-