Vancouver-based indie band Peach Pit has dropped an impressive first LP, “Being So Normal,” a little more than a year after their simple yet enjoyable EP, “Sweet FA.” They’re quickly becoming the band to watch in the Pacific Northwest. They describe their sound as “chewed bubblegum pop,” so fans of the soft surf rock sound of Mac Demarco to Beach Fossils, rejoice – this album is for you.
Peach Pit opens the album with standout track “Drop the Guillotine,” which features dueling rhythm and lead guitars that immediately hook you in. This is juxtaposed by the following verses, which feature the soft vocal harmonies of Chris Vanderkoov, Peter Wilton and Mikey Pascuzzi.
The title track, “Being so Normal,” manages droning guitar walk downs performed by lead guitarist, Chris Vanderkoov, and the soft vocal sensibilities of Smith Vanderkoov. Later on, distortion sets in, and you begin to realize how a consistent and deliberate decision has been made to place guitar at the forefront of their sound. The same holds true for “Not Me” and “Alrighty Aphrodite.”
There are a few throwaway tracks throughout “Being So Normal.” “Chagu’s Sideturn” and “Private Presely” fall short of the high bar set by the first half of the album. Still, while both songs seem to drag on, the instrumentals are pleasantly soft served; you just have to do a bit more waiting.
The whole LP has an angsty and bummer summer characteristic. The album begins by tackling a narrator, (presumably Vanderkoov No. 1), in the thralls of young love. We then moving to the inevitable parade of motions that accompany a break up, all the way to the long inebriated nights that follow.
Things slow down for “Hot Knifer” and “Tommy’s Party”—the latter song being the final track of the album. Faintly, there are great walkdowns reminiscent that take you right back to Mac Demarco’s “Chamber of Reflection.” Overall, this album stands out amongst other releases of 2018 with its consistent and confident sound.
Don’t forget, you can listen to many of the tracks mentioned here and more on WGRE 91.5 – Your Sound Alternative.
