By Jenell Taylor, Contributor

[Photo courtesy of Whitten Sabbatini]

Since releasing their EP Side A almost five years ago, Twin Peaks has left their fans missing their twangy indie energy and funky guitar riffs. Most notably, their 2018 album Sweet ‘17 Singles continues to play in the heads of fans everywhere even years later, and probably at any given moment. Though there may not be another artist with that undeniable Midwest sound that Twin Peaks brought to the indie kid scene, don’t despair. I have a few songs that radiate a similar feeling, and these should satiate the craving, at least for a little while.

1. “Blood” by Grapetooth

To start, I have to mention Grapetooth, the alias of former Twin Peaks lead singer Clay Frankel and their tour manager, Chris Bailoni. Formed in 2015, Grapetooth offers an alternative indie sound that is sure to get your feet tapping. This groovy tune feels like it could play in your favorite 80s disco film. “Blood” is the ninth track off of their 2018 self-titled album. There are synths, steady drums, and of course, the eclectic and familiar vocals of Clay Frankel. If you want, you can close your eyes and pretend you’re still listening to Twin Peaks (like I do).

2. “Water Over Sex” by Lala Lala

Lala Lala is the stage name of Lillie Amadea West, a Chicago-based indie rock musician. She has collaborated with Grapetooth in the past, with my personal favorite collaboration being “Valentine.” “Water Over Sex” makes this list because of its cool, echoey vocals as well as the melodic layered instrumentals at play. It’s easy to pretend you’re the main character when listening to this one. Go ahead and strut your stuff. Nobody’s judging.

3. “H3Llo P3Nny” by Spooky Mansion

Spooky Mansion is a Los Angeles-based, self proclaimed “surf soul rock n roll” artist who, truth be told, does live up to that description. “H3Llo P3Nny” is indeed a surf rock song which includes swanky guitar riffs, tweeting birds as background vocals and steady drums that reach an incredibly satisfying crescendo. Spooky Mansion’s vocals remind me much of “the dudes.” In fact, this whole album, The Curse, delivers exactly what dispirited fans are itching for when they’ve listened to Twin Peaks’ entire discography…again.

4. “Mount Misery” by Parts & Labor

“Mount Misery” sounds like hiking through mountains, sitting around the campfire and lying on the cool earth while staring at a vast starry night. Chock-full of harmonicas, vocal layering, steady drums and what sounds like a triangle, Parts & Labor gave their all for this jam. While based in New York, Parts & Labor managed to capture the essence of the midwest spirit in their own refined way.

5. “The Things You Notice” by Marnie Stern

This track is a powerhouse! Marnie Stern is an alternative indie artist from New York whose dynamic voice is more than enough for those missing Twin Peaks. Her energy in this song never lets up and the rhythmic guitar flows seamlessly with her vocals. As this song fades out, the guitar follows her echo to its end.

6. “Something Special” by Girl Fox

Hailing from our very own buckeye state, Girl Fox is a rock band whose sound begs the listener to get up and dance. Its conversational lyrics and heavy drums makes this the perfect song for a DIY basement show. The Twin Peaks album equivalent to this track would be Wild Onion. Both perfect for jumping up and down, doing a two-step or just leaning against the walls. Very versatile party music.

7. “Certain Frantic Quality” by Tomorrows Tulips

Mellow and smooth, Tomorrows Tulips delivers a groove that all Twin Peaks fans will (hopefully) love. Alex Knost’s soft and gravelly vocals are hypnotic to listen to and drawl in the familiar way that Clay Frankel’s does. A meandering bass guitar and stable drums are present throughout the entire track, and that only adds to its feel-good factor.

8. “I Never Wanna Make You Sad” by Hovvdy

Hovvdy is an indie pop duo from Austin, Texas by Charlie Martin and Will Taylor. This track is special in its own right, yet falls seamlessly into our list. “I Never Wanna Make You Sad” is a tender song about cherishing your loved one and reveling in the emotion shared. The softness of Martin’s vocals has the ability to lull even the rowdiest child to sleep. The repetition of the song’s title toward the end of the track adds a warm feeling of comfort and is the cherry on top of the sentimental sundae that is this song. There is a twinkly fade-out that is reminiscent of so many of Twin Peaks’ songs, and that’s why it wraps up our list in the sweetest way.

Listen here: Listen If You Miss: Twin Peaks