Peach Pit deliver a well-crafted guitar rock sound that has certainly not been under-represented in popular indie music over the past couple decades. While instantly familiar, there are intricacies that reveal themselves upon repeat listens of
You and Your Friends. The group employ standard rock instrumentation – lead and rhythm guitars, bass, and drums – while demonstrating a refreshing interplay between instruments. Perhaps it is the fact that these high school friends have become intimately familiar with each other’s musical tendencies over the years, but the melodies and rhythms throughout the album are ever shifting in subtly dynamic ways. This is thanks in no small part to lead guitarist Christopher Vanderkooy, who delivers the the type of clear-eyed guitar heroics I don’t recall hearing this side of Albert Hammond Jr. (The Strokes). His ability to compliment a song with a colorful swell of slide guitar or a sprightly-plucked clean-tone lead is impressive. Although the guitar work is an immediate highlight, every time there is a flourish of bass notes or an isolated drum fill it seems to come at the most opportune time. Peach Pit compliment each other in a way that bolsters their songwriting overall. They are a playful, fun-loving group, and that seems to translate to the music they produce.
Although endearing musicality is strength of Vancouver’s own Peach Pit, it is not a defining characteristic. Neil smith’s singing voice is a soothing coo that seems to penetrate the entire sonic spectrum. Regardless of what may be happening musically, his voice floats effortlessly above like a Styrofoam cup refusing to be swallowed by the surf. It’s captivating, somehow exuding lovelorn wisdom and youthful naivete. When Smith sings of coming to terms with a breakup on “Shampoo Bottles”, he does so by describing a handful of items left behind by his ex. These include a cell phone charger, toothbrush, and (of course) some shampoo. Listening to Smith explore his feelings while exploring his bathroom is refreshing and delightful. The lyrics throughout
You and Your Friends are observational in nature and often highly relatable. There is also matter-of-fact storytelling surrounding the band and their friends, past and present. At times, descriptions of these events are almost profound in their mundanity. Peach Pit have arrived at a winning indie rock formula which is far too cool to take itself seriously, even when delving into heavy territory like heartache and existential ennui. They’re taking their life experiences and giving them a nice spit shine to proudly share with the world. They’ll probably be having a blast regardless, but it might be a great time to join the party because Peach Pit write music that deserves to be shared. You know…with you and your friends.
