PEACH PIT’S “MAGPIE”: A FLIGHT THROUGH SELF-ACCEPTANCE AND 80S NOSTALGIA

From listening parties to club karaoke, Peach Pit’s fourth album Magpie is making its mark in town. The Canadian band has come a long way since their debut album in 2018, infusing their music with happier and brighter elements than ever before.

The “good ol’ Southern Canadian band” was formed in 2014 as a high school project, and from there, the rest was history. With a shared love of the 1980s, which clearly influences their sound, the band took their name from the famous 90210 diner, “The Peach Pit.” Since then, they’ve charted albums and produced hit songs, and Magpie continues that trend. The album showcases the signature Peach Pit sound—infectious drum beats and catchy rhythm guitar.

The album title, though vague, perfectly encapsulates the collection of songs, as well as what lead singer Neil Smith thought his life could have turned out to be. In classic artist fashion, the band transformed a difficult period in their 20s into a dramatized, eccentric work of art, and thus Magpie was born. Peach Pit draws in listeners with their fun-loving instrumentals and melancholic, yet catchy, lyrics—a combination that works perfectly.

From start to finish, the album flows seamlessly, with the band’s signature use of reverb and fast-paced vocals. One of the highlights is the retro, self-deprecating ballad “St. Mark’s Funny Feeling.” With its fuzzy name, unrequited lyrics, and tinny microphone effect, the track creates a nostalgic aura, clearly influenced by the 80s.

The album ends on a dramatic note with “Your Long Black Hair,” a song that ties up any loose ends left from the earlier tracks. The theme of unrequited love runs strong throughout, with a clear parallel to the five stages of grief—denial, anger, depression, and finally, acceptance. Smith explains that he’s dealt with feelings of embarrassment, and that these songs reflect his personal journey of self-acceptance.

Following the release of Magpie, Peach Pit has an eagerly awaited tour in the works, starting in Australia and wrapping up in Europe. The band is known for drawing large crowds at festivals and intimate club venues.

With the success of Magpie and the continued success of their previous albums, Peach Pit is riding high and shows no signs of slowing down. Magpie proves that even the toughest times can eventually become great stories.