Twin Forks

Jumping into the current American folk revolution is Twin Forks, whose self-titled EP drops Sept. 17. Frequently called a super-group (fronted by Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba), this-boot stomping folk rock quartet shouldn’t be mistaken for Dashboard relived. Also comprised of members from The Narrative and Bad Books, this ideal foursome marries uplifting jubilee and poetic depth.

As I sat to review the EP, I found I wasn’t sitting very long. The folk-tinged melodies had me dancing around the room shamelessly. “Cross My Mind” is the little jewel that divides the album; you can feel happiness ringing from Carrabba’s lyrics. That’s right: happiness. Kind of makes you wonder what happened to all that angst.

The harmonies are so golden it intensifies the sing-a-long element of the album. Carrabba’s trademark note-holding is enough to carry you back to those Dashboard days, and the intimacy felt between the bandmates is unequivocally in tune. This album has hooks for days, so if something doesn’t get stuck in your head, you’re doing it wrong.

While modern music has been moving towards a more synthesized, polished brand of sound, Twin Forks seems to concentrate more on the traditional, rustic type of songwriting. (This EP has a great sound that could easily be matched to something by The Lumineers or even Fleet Foxes.) Pairing banjos and hand claps together is instant enthusiastic magic, enough to turn anyone’s day around, and that’s exactly what they’ve achieved with this EP. Infectious – that’s the word I’ve been looking for.