Vancouver’s Peach Pit are a kind of uncommon, self-aware bands that take criticism in stride. Early of their profession, after they carried out at a Battle of the Bands, they obtained relatively destructive suggestions from a decide, one thing to the impact of “generic indie rock band”. In order that they noticed it becoming to call their self-released debut Being So Regular. Columbia Data should have thought they have been one thing greater than “regular”, as they signed the group and helped launch their profession. Peach Pit went on to launch two stable albums underneath the imprint. 

Now, on their fourth launch referred to as Magpie, the band clearly refuse to compromise. They continue to be outlined by their guitar-driven indie rock, soft-spoken vocals, and melancholic lyrics. Whereas these parts might not scream innovation, Peach Pit add a refined sophistication to the extra apt descriptor slacker rock. With intricate chord progressions, advanced melodies, and spectacular guitar work, they stand other than many indie rock bands that recycle tendencies. 

Peach Pit function singer and rhythm guitarist Neil Smith, lead guitarist Christopher Vanderkooy, bassist Peter Wilton, and drummer Mikey Pascuzzi, with multi-instrumentalist Dougal Bain McLean on synth, guitar, and fiddle. They fashioned in 2014 amongst highschool associates and launched a debut EP in 2016. Their fan base expanded internationally after a Filipino influencer shared their music. Since then, they’ve carried out alongside main acts like Mac DeMarco. 

Magpie opens with “Each Little Factor”, an upbeat romper with a chorus-laden guitar that units the tone for the album. Smith’s vocals carry a laid-back, virtually slacker high quality, floating effortlessly between his pure tone and falsetto. Peach Pit play with rhythm, intentionally dropping a beat in the course of the guitar lead, which provides a playful, quirky aspect. “Yaasmina” sways at a slower tempo, constructing momentum towards a extra driving refrain. Vanderkooy’s fiery guitar solo on the track’s climax stands out, filled with overdriven vitality and uncooked depth. The guitar work all through Magpie is persistently spectacular, with Vanderkooy’s solos and countermelodies serving to to outline the band’s distinctive sound. 

Probably the most putting tracks is “Am I Your Lady”, which feels considerably misplaced in its extra easy construction among the many extra harmonically adventurous tunes. Whereas their chord progressions are normally advanced and distinctive, with borrowed and altered chords, this track is comparatively easy. “Am I Your Lady” revolves round a gradual, brooding modal vamp oddly harking back to vaporwave, a style sometimes produced with digital devices. Right here, Peach Pit’s natural instrumentation—electrical bass and drums—offers it a extra grounded really feel. 

Different stand-out numbers are “Outta Right here” and the title monitor, “Magpie”. The previous monitor opens with fingerpicking on acoustic guitar however develops right into a slick groove. The bass and drums thump alongside, and the violin is available in on the bridge—a pleasant refined contact. Later, the refined key change and flashy guitar solo give the track some flare. In the meantime, “Magpie”, begins with a darker, driving sound, however the refrain unexpectedly lifts in brightness earlier than shortly returning to the minor key. “Wax & Wan” stays on this temper however to a lesser diploma, bringing forth a waltzing meter that drunkenly sways. 

The songs on Magpie are removed from mediocre with every monitor having its personal little idiosyncrasies. They’re constructed round subtle chord progressions and distinctive vocal and guitar melodies—attributes that defy cliche. At first, some chords can really feel surprising or perhaps a little overwhelming, particularly after they sound alien to your ear. However they unearth new prospects, which they gladly take. Calling Peach Pit generic negates the refined intricacies and the thoughtfulness that goes into their songcraft. Moreover, every little thing involves a head for an gratifying hear the extra you revisit these charming songs.