Album review: ‘Magpie’ by Peach Pit

Canadian indie-pop darlings Peach Pit have returned with their newest album Magpie, another solid tribute to the genre. This album is curated very carefully, as every song has its moment to shine. Yet the transition between each track is seamless. Magpie stays true to the band’s indie-rock roots, however they play around with some experimental factors. 

“St. Marks Funny Feeling” and “Little Dive” specifically play around with the guitar effects, and make it seem like there are multiple songs on one track. They completely change the tone of the song to keep us interested, and you can tell the band had a lot of fun doing just that. Using this technique of a messy rhythm and tone is slightly unconventional for the typical indie-rock sound. The sound is familiar to  bands like The Beatles or The Velvet Underground, which Peach Pit could have taken inspiration from. Although this is different from the band’s authentic sound, it definitely suits them. It will no doubt keep fans interested in their journey and growth as artists. 

The album evokes feelings of nostalgia and loss, but still comes off as very light and easy to listen to. Every song is sealed with the band’s iconic guitar riffs. There is also a strong theme of growth, and the struggle to let go of one’s past. It has fantastic starting and ending points, with “Every Little Thing” being the perfect upbeat song, and “Your Long Black Hair” holding a sweet goodbye. 

This album has also shown off Peach Pit’s exceptional lyrical abilities. In “Did You Love Somebody” the chorus is specifically memorable with its longing lyrics: (“ Don’t you go all silent too / So go on, say what you want to sell me”). The main themes of nostalgia and growth are represented in “Magpie” such as (“Thin as it gets / A line of a woman / Just to keep his toes / Underneath his nose / She lets go”). 

Overall, Magpie is versatile in sound and lyricism, but also comforting and enjoyable. This album is perfect to play while on a road trip, studying, or just having a night in. Peach Pit is putting their mark on the indie-rock scene, and rightfully so.