Paste Magazine has compiled a list of 10 musical acts that capture the eerie and eclectic spirit of David Lynch's Twin Peaks. The recommendations draw from the show's signature blend of mystery, melodrama, and atmospheric soundscapes. Following Lynch's recent passing, the article honors his legacy through contemporary artists fitting for the series' iconic Roadhouse scenes.
David Lynch's death last month prompted reflection on his influential work, particularly the cult TV series Twin Peaks, which first captivated the author as a teenager with its mix of mystery, soap opera, and comedy elements. The show's musical backbone, shaped by Lynch's collaboration with composer Angelo Badalamenti, evokes the misty Pacific Northwest through haunting themes and Roadhouse performances. In Twin Peaks: The Return, these musical interludes grounded the narrative amid expansive locations like New York and Montana.
The article categorizes Twin Peaks-coded bands into ethereal vocalists reminiscent of Julee Cruise, Roadhouse-style rockabilly and dream pop acts like the Cactus Blossoms and Chromatics, and synth-driven sounds echoing Badalamenti's scores. Excluding obvious choices such as Xiu Xiu's Twin Peaks album or Return performers, the list features 10 acts in alphabetical order.
Boy Harsher, a Georgia duo, delivers dark wave melancholy akin to the show's soundtrack, having directed the 2022 horror film The Runner. Dutch pair Donna Blue, named for character Donna Hayward, blends 1960s psychedelic sleaze with yé-yé influences; their albums Dark Roses (2022) and Into the Realm of Love followed. Irish psych-folk artist Elaine Malone's 2023 album Pyrrhic conjures shadowy realms, supported by projects like Mantua.
Jerkcurb (Jacob Read) offers romantic twang on 2019's Air Con Eden, with recent tours alongside King Krule. Mason Ramsey channels mid-century Americana through rockabilly on his debut I'll See You in My Dreams. Dublin's Rachael Lavelle weaves dream-like tones on Big Dreams, highlighted by the track Sleepy Gal.
Swiss Reverend Beat-Man's gritty blues suit seedy bar scenes, known for a Righteous Gemstones soundtrack cover. Sally Shapiro's Swedish synthpop duo evokes elusive beauty. Seattle's scntfc (Andrew Rohrmann) explores atmospheric electronica on 2020's Broken Circle and Oxenfree soundtracks. Shana Cleveland, of La Luz, delves into nightmarish psych folk on 2019's Night of the Worm Moon, with lyrics like 'I've always been here / Stuck inside the wall.'
Written by Clare Martin, Paste's associate music editor, the piece invites readers to pair the music with coffee and cherry pie for an immersive experience.
