Review of the single Peggy by Orchards

Cover photo for the Orchards Bandcamp

With the release of their new single Peggy, the Brighton band Orchards has received much more attention than they have in the past. Since their previous EP, Constantly Moving, which was released in early 2015, they've swapped out their vocalist for someone who sings with an intergalactic shimmer, Lucy Evers.

The new single Peggy is written about idealizing a slipping relationship, where the writer is urging the other party to be more realistic and grounded in the situation. But to no avail, the poor circumstance continues to be prolonged. This exhortation is also displayed in the complex structure of the song, yet having a stripped down lineup consisting of one lead vocalist, one guitarist, a bassist, and a drummer/percussionist.

"I don't know where you've been but I can see the tension 
Are we gonna crumble through the cracks that we share?" 

The song begins with a soft chant and all the instruments quickly jump in, it seems to be a perfect way to introduce a new lineup and a fresher sound that only slightly strays from their last release.

While still classified as math rock, Peggy has a flow that won't jolt a casual listener; the balance between technicality and groove doesn't clash (especially that breakdown bit halfway through the second verse, it adds so much body to the song by opening it up). As mentioned earlier, the lineup seems thin for such a full sound that Orchards has. The melodies glide over top of the flowing, tappy guitar licks and the bass and drums stay synched to showcase Evers vocals, but still have ample opportunity to display their prime musicianship.

"Make it worth it, can you stay for the night? 

All I want is to be perfectly fine"

While the relationship in question continues on, the song also has so many opportunities to end but presses forward. If the song ended prior to the instrumental bridge, it would be a satisfactory song, yet nothing to rave about. Adding the "Middle 8" [bars], as denoted on Bandcamp, the song is driven in a new direction, giving us a part that we haven't yet heard. After the Middle 8, we're presented with another chorus, adding some vocal harmonies that make for a momentous feeling.

"I can feel it the air that you breathe 
The silence it haunts me 
Can't you see that I don't want you to leave"

But wait! It's still not over. The band squeezes in yet another half bar of syncopation that gives the listener their last taste of what's to come. My current relationship with with Orchards is hanging on by just a thread and and the silence since Peggy is haunting. I cannot wait for another release. Watch the accompanying music video here.

Album art for Peggy from Bandcamp