SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: PEACH PIT – MAGPIE

PEACH PIT
MAGPIE
COLUMBIA RECORDS

If you pay close attention to the Canadian music scene, you have probably heard of Peach Pit. The beloved indie pop band has established a loyal fanbase and generated quite a buzz across the nation with songs like “Alrighty Aphrodite”, “Peach Pit”, “Shampoo Bottles”. and “Tommy’s Party”. Their latest album, Magpie, is sure to make them an even bigger name in Canada, as it is undoubtedly one of their best records.

As with other Peach Pit albums, the vibes of Magpie are immaculate. Listeners will get lost in the album’s fabulous sounds and wondrous atmospheres. Gorgeously dreamy and entrancing guitars, Neil Smith’s warm vocals, bright and upbeat energy, and a laid-back atmosphere make “Every Little Thing” a charmingly groovy time. Another standout is “Magpie”. From the moment it starts, it is instantly catchy and exuberant. Smith’s vocals have never been better. Christopher “Chris” Vanderkooy’s crispy guitar riffs deliver the goods. Peter Wilton’s bass playing is dynamite, with tons of juicy bass lines throughout the track. Mikey Pascuzzi’s drumming is lively and riveting. The entire song explodes with energy and is a certified banger. Both “Every Little Thing” and “Magpie” are exquisite and could easily be considered their magnum opus. With the stunningly pretty “Outta Here”, Peach Pit deftly combines melancholic folk with funky bubblegum pop. Lastly, “Nowhere Next To Me” is surf pop at its finest. This tune would be best played on the beach or while walking in the summertime, as it just screams summer.

Vanderkooy went all in on this record. Each song from Magpie features captivating guitar playing, whether it be beautifully mellow, softly somber, or electrifyingly upbeat. His guitar solos are also insane. However, this is not much of a surprise for Peach Pit fans as Vanderkooy has been wowing listeners with his hypnotically dazzling ear-candy guitar solos since Sweet FA. Highlights include “Every Little Thing”, “St. Mark’s Funny Feeling”, “Wax & Wane” and “Yasmina”. Without a doubt, Vanderkooy is among the best guitarists of his generation.

Overall, Magpie is an excellent album that continues to exemplify why Peach Pit is one of Canada’s best bands working today.

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