Members of Twin Peaks and Post Animal Form New Group, Column, Release First Song “II”

After going on tour together, Twin Peaks guitarist Cadien James moved into a house with the members of fellow Chicago indie rockers Post Animal. James and the band soon started jamming, and experimenting with new song structures and open tunings that didn’t fit with their respective bands.

The result is “II,” the first song from the newly formed group, Column. The track is a world-weary but friendship-affirming jaunt, reminiscent of returning to the real world after a camping trip with your best buds. Recorded to a ‘50s reel-to-reel deck, “II” has a particularly grainy texture that dominates its finger-picking instrumentation.

All six members of the band contribute vocals to the track, melting their voices in a harmonious unison. They sing of feeling stagnant and watching your friends grow up, yet the repetition of the melancholic “All that I am is all that we are” suggests a millennial solidarity. In the self-directed video for “II,” the band sit, sing and smile together on a nostalgic afternoon, seemingly asking you to be okay with youthful uncertainties.

“II” is the b-side to the band’s forthcoming 7”, which is due out Aug. 16 via Grand Jury. You can preorder it here. Watch the video for “II” below, and find Twin Peaks and Post Animal sessions from the Paste archives further down.