Coming from the same school of nu-folk/soul artists such as Adele, Kate Nash and Laura Marling, Peggy Sue have a lot to live up to. Formerly known as ‘Peggy Sue and The Pirates, a more quirkier name you have to agree, the band have been around the scene for a few years now. Doing shows and releasing singles and EPs just as a double act. The two lead female vocalists, Rosa and Katy, both sing harmoniously with each other and create a very deep and soulful presence. Dark and haunting at times but also remain quite pastiche in their approach. Now joined by drummer, Olly, and also the inclusion of electric guitars has certainly made this band a more complete creative force. It’s been 3 years since this writer has waited for an album release from Peggy Sue, I just hope it lives up to my expectations.
Peggy Sue
They open up with ‘Long Division Blues’ and already you can hear a much fuller sound that has now been created. It has a deep blues sound mixed with a 50’s rockabilly tinge. One thing you can’t deny when listening to ‘Fossils and Other Phantoms’ is that their voices are incredible. As the album goes on it’s evident that these ladies are very much influenced by the old school of female singers. Deep, husky and all with such power that just makes you weak at the knees. ‘Yo Mama’ goes back to their more traditional acoustic folk sound. Classic stomping bass drum with a heavy plucking guitar sound. Harmonies that drive the melody and using their voices as key components in the song. They then lower the tone with a touching ‘Green Grow The Rushes’. Beautiful and haunting all in equal doses, it’s a simple guitar line, but yet again it’s their harmonies that just magically work together, that make a track like this work.
‘Watchman’ is the first single from ‘Fossils and Other Phantoms’ and demonstrates a more complex understanding of what works for them. Driving guitar sound and military style drumming, it sounds like all sorts is going on but it stays controlled and they create something quite wonderful. ‘Careless Talk Cost Lives’ gives you an example of Peggy Sue’s more poetic side. String laden and bass driven but with those haunting vocals yet again. ‘You like the way your name fits in the corners of her mouth’ is the refrain as they sing about lasting impressions and influence. Simply beautiful and one of my favourite songs on the album. ‘Matilda’ is subtle but lyrically is probably one of the most darkest songs on ‘Fossils…’ With it’s sound that capture a damaged soul and with a power that is unbeknown to the listener.
‘Fossils’ is very much influenced by new folk boys ‘Mumford and Sons’. Accordion, light guitar and a type of ‘sea shanty’ drumming rings through at a speedy pace. It’s traditional and wonderfully executed too. They close with ‘The Shape We Made’which is a pleasant song that highlights the more quirkier side to ‘Peggy Sue’s’ sound. Light hearted and touching but unfortunately does fall a bit flat to close the album.
‘Fossils and Other Phantoms’ is a wonderfully crafted album that is packed full of beautiful harmonies and meaningful moments. Peggy Sue could quickly become your newly discovered secret that will instantly warm and break your heart, all at the same time.
