Vents MagaZine Music and Entertainment Magazine
Related Articles
New York’s Deep Sea Peach Tree is an unique project helmed by Kristof Denis with assistance from friends and fellow musicians Zack Pockrose and Andrew Dell Isola. Their self-described “sleepy surf rock” or “aquatic sleep rock” marries an impressive array of stylistic inclinations into an improbably coherent whole. They have thus far confined the bulk of their live performances to the New York City area and its surrounding environs, but 2022 finds the band attempting to break into the larger national market. “You and McGregor”, the band’s latest single, may prove to be the momentum builder they need and deserve.
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/deepseapeachtree/?hl=en
Many will peg them, fairly or not, as an alternative rock band and forget the surf rock influences. They come through in the songwriting, without a doubt, particularly when Deep Sea Peach Tree drops its wall of sound guitar during the cleaner, airer passages. Davis penned the track, both lyrics and music, and it’s reflected in the audible all-out commitment present in the vocal. Even during the passages when his singing is little more than a mumble, it is for effect, rather than reflecting disinterest.
The band’s understanding of dynamics is clear. Deep Sea Peach Tree doesn’t lean on dynamics in the same way that, perhaps, a classic rock outfit would, but they nonetheless understand when to employ such moments for maximum effect. The “light” in the song’s spectrum of light and shadow contrasts well with its stormier, heavier sections. Some listeners will long for a more immediate guitar sound than the band serves up here.
It’s certainly moody, but never despairing. The feeling many listeners will come away with from this track is closer to a swirl of conflicting emotions interpreted into organized chaos. “You and McGregor” does an excellent job of hinting about an imminent complete breakdown without ever actually fracturing. Sturdy songwriting is another aspect of the song that deservers mention. Surfing may be a passion for Kristof, but he’s obviously polished his songwriting skills to a high sheen in a relatively short amount of time.
Some people are just naturals and, ultimately, they are searching for the ideal vehicle to express their naturalness. Kristof Denis and his bandmates have found that with the Deep Sea Peach Tree project and are already producing distinctive and fully-formed songs. It’s safe to say there will be more to come and, as well, that Denis will continue refining his craft and expanding his skills at an exponential rate. The project isn’t anywhere near its peak.
They will earn them quite a following. It isn’t far-flung to expect Deep Sea Peach Tree will find many new fans when they make their first significant forays away from New York City. Places such as Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and beyond will value their daring and appreciate their ability to rock out with equal parts abandon and musicality. “You and McGregor” doesn’t break new ground, per se, but it’s as distinctive as anything you’ll hear today. Let’s enjoy Deep Sea Peach Tree’s bright future together.
by Jennifer Munoz
