Staff Reviews

Peggy sue - Fossils and Other Phantoms

Review by Robert Cooke

Peggy Sue are poignant and articulate as they wallow in the turmoil of lost love. »

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rough trade exclusive with a bonus 6 track cd featuring demos, alternate versions and unreleased cuts. peggy sue's debut album 'fossils and other phantoms' has songs produced by steve ansell of blood red shoes and ben lovett of mumford and sons, the rest of the album was recorded in brooklyn with producers alex newport (two gallants) and john askew (the dodos). 'fossils and other phantoms' is proof that two voices are better than one - or so goes the mantra of believers in the cult of peggy sue. best friends and creative compatriots katy and rosa, along with drummer olly, bob and weave their soulful, r&b-ready voices in and out of complex vocal interplay achieving sonic qualities all their own. a folk power trio of sorts, katy, rosa and olly blend minimalist drums, acoustic guitars, accordion and strings into a soul-folk shotgun blast that is much more than the sum of its parts. emotionally, the album hones in on the darker side of love, with sharp-penned one liners smouldering like embers ignited by the breath of katy and rosa's voices and furious strumming. the songs are dramatic, romping, old-fashioned, brooding and lyrically intriguing. it captures all the raw power of their live shows with enough production sheen to make this a great debut record. it's mostly pure, gin-soaked, bar-room brawl songs but there's a few gentle moments that are fresh, clean and minimal. it's a tear jerking and uplifting album that's been worth the wait.
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