Live Review: Twin Forks – 1884 Lounge – Memphis, TN

10 years ago Brittany Fisher Comments Off on Live Review: Twin Forks – 1884 Lounge – Memphis, TN
Dine Alone Records
Dine Alone Records

When I was in high school, Dashboard Confessional was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Everyone who was anyone had Dashboard lyrics gracing their AOL Instant Messenger profile or “away” message. Some of the more extreme fans took it to the next level by having their lyrics tattooed someplace. Thankfully, I didn’t go that far. But that didn’t stop me from singing “Screaming Infidelities” at the top of my lungs.

But then we all grew up. We moved on. Well, so did Dashboard’s leading man, Chris Carrabba. He packed his musical bags and left the emo music genre he once called home. I believe the break was amicable.

Just last year, Carrabba formed a quartet dubbed Twin Forks. A year later, the initial foursome has now become a quintet comprised of an acoustic guitar, a mandolin, a bass guitar, a drum set, and a tambourine. Their sound goes back to the roots of classic country and folk music – think The Head and The Heart meets Kopecky Family Band.

In 2013, Twin Forks released a five-song EP which included “Cross My Mind,” my favorite tune of theirs. Carrabba has undoubtedly evolved from a sad, moodier sound into a happy-go-lucky, upbeat one.

Their live performance was splendid. Carrabba is not only a musician, he’s actually quite the entertainer. Some artists take the stage, play their songs, and exit. Not Carrabba. He puts on a show.

If you grew up listening to Dashboard, you’ll love it. If you don’t even know who the blazes Dashboard is, you’ll love it. It’s the right kind of simple, easy listening that makes you close your eyes and forget where you are.

The group played original songs from their 2014 self-titled album, but also cranked out a few amazing covers including Cory Branan’s “Tall Green Grass” and, yes, even a Dashboard song or two. No “Screaming Infidelities” though. I get the feeling asking Chris to play that might be like asking him to phone an ex-girlfriend. He’s grateful for time spent, but he’s moved on. And he’s doing just fine.

Twin Forks picks up their tour on August 16 in Annapolis, MD. Check out more of their dates here.

Brittany Fisher

Latest posts by Brittany Fisher (see all)