Peach and Quiet make a return to international ears serving up another New Year gem almost two years to the date since making an impressive splash with an album that's effect lasted well past the January release. The duo of Heather Read and Jonny Miller have captured the post-holiday space once again with BEAUTIFUL THING living up to its title on several plateaus. From their west coast Canadian location, the duo have explored the evocative side of a musical identity to deliver a sumptuous mix of polished roots and laid back Americana. Under the guidance of influential producer Steve Dawson, the album rolls out as a dozen-strong collection of acute songs evoking in parts a visual template, while forever anchored in the inner thoughts of the writer. An almost rhythmic exchange of lead vocal parts keeps the record fresh and taking a deeper dive into this work reveals an increasing sprinkling of lyrical, musical and nuanced nuggets.
At release point (January 20th), three tracks ascended to the surface, bobbing and inviting in their presence. It is difficult to look past the title and opening track. 'Beautiful Thing' is a delightful boost of twangy positivity and setting your listener's journey on a sure fitting is a smart execution of creative interaction. Midway through the album, Miller dips into no holds barred Americana with a moody southern gothic feel to 'Oklahoma or Arkansas' where the storytelling tempts and tantalises in a haze of vanish and reunite. The trio of initial standout tracks is completed by album closer 'When You're Gone' that lyrically teases the mind and creates a space for a multitude of interpretations allowed to stray from the obvious into the imagination of the listener. Smart song writing for sure.
It is purely coincidental that these first three are owned on the surface by Miller as Heather Read shines on an alternative plane with several efforts. The most striking is the darker and earthier theme to 'Pockets Empty' that serves as a song for the ages. Another Read offering that resonates strongly is also the twangy and elegantly beautiful 'Just Before Dawn'. A piece with a gorgeous melody attached alongside some enticing words. A third impactful effort from Read is the interpreted redemptive 'This Time', not shy on using repetition in the chorus to convey the message.
For a little bit of musical diversion, one of the singles 'Horse and Saddle' goes heavy on the keys to deliver an almost reggae beat aligned to the usual twang that pins the album in a identifiable genre. Another of the singles crops up in the early stages with the mid-tempo vibes to 'Calgary Skyline', which initially gave an indication that the album was going to be heavily visually themed. However, the leanings were more towards the inner feelings as indicated in the overtly 70s vibes attached to the Miller delivered 'Save Me Tonight'.
The pair do enter duet mode in the album's latter stages with 'That is For Sure' acting out as a re-assuring love song. 'Song From a Tree' is a clever piece, once again calling on some jangly tones that help define the album's sound. 'Behind the Sun' completes the set and could just be the sleeper track that grows as the album beds in well beyond its release date. The writing is sharp, fascinating and engaging, and the gritty guitar input gives the track some depth.
If JUST BEYOND THE SHINE alerted the music world to the talents of Peach & Quiet, BEAUTIFUL THING re-imposes the treat with acres of panache and vitality. You are forever convinced that Heather Read and Jonny Miller totally believe in their project, product and direction to feed their artistic whims. The bonus is listeners will connect with this bout of truth and honesty alongside enjoying a record packed to the hilt with many interesting facets.
