Peach Pit’s “Magpie” Gets Stuck in the Pit

On Oct. 25, after two years of silence, Peach Pit returned to the musical sphere by releasing their fourth full-length album, “Magpie,” consisting of 11 tracks and stretching just under 46 minutes. For fans of the Canadian quirky indie-pop group, myself included, “Magpie” had a lot to live up to, considering the success of their debut “Being So Normal” (2018) and the unapologetic authenticity of “You and Your Friends” (2020). But as much as I desperately wanted to love their latest release, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed and underwhelmed by its end.

“Magpie” deceivingly begins with hints of nostalgia, drawing listeners in with Peach Pit’s signatures: Simple poetic lyrics, energetic and creative guitar riffs, and an ironic portrayal of heartbreak in an upbeat sound. On the surface, it feels like a callback to their best moments, but beneath, it struggles to deliver. The songs slip away without leaving much of a distinctive mark, lacking the soul, choruses that pack a punch, and emotional attachment that defined the band’s first two albums. Where “You and Your Friends” thrived on creating songs that stood out in their own unique ways, each track on “Magpie” blends into the next, leaving the album feeling oddly muted and, unfortunately, forgettable. None of  the album’s songs have the same addictive pull that Peach Pit’s infant music had; they don’t get stuck in your head or beg for a replay.

That said, “Magpie” works as an album in terms of cohesion, offering a consistent soundscape and appropriately blending slow burners like “Am I Your Girl” and “Nowhere Next to Me” with livelier tracks like “Every Little Thing” and “Magpie.” The songs fit together in a way that makes sense, and they do compliment each other, but there’s a noticeable lack of standout songs that resonate with the listener, leaving fans with a sense that something essential to the Peach Pit experience is missing.

In their first two albums, Peach Pit distinguished themselves in the realm of indie-pop with a musical identity that was genuine and raw. Songs like “Figure 8” and “Black Licorice” from “You and Your Friends” were distinctive and thoughtful, carrying unique hooks and emotional layers that touched audiences deeply. “Magpie,” though well-crafted, seems to lack that same depth, leaving the listener wanting more than just a familiar melody.

Even the album art struggles to make a lasting impression. The artwork isn’t memorable and feels overly simple, with purple lines blending into the broader landscape of indie album art without much to set it apart. In contrast, the album art of “You and Your Friends” is provocative, photographing bare feet and curling toes: An image that creates a strong visual impression, conjures curiosity, and totally plays to the band’s unconventionality. The artwork for “Magpie” fades your memory as quickly as its tracks, urging Peach Pit to find new ways to connect with both their current fans and potential new audiences.

“Magpie” is not a bad album: The tracks are all fine, but they feel boring and uninspired. It feels like Peach Pit’s attempt to return to its roots has resulted in a lifeless collection of songs that gives the impression that the band is hesitant to take risks or explore new changes. I had a similar reaction to their prior release, “From 2 to 3” (2022), feeling like the band, despite their potential, might be struggling to hit the high notes they once struck with ease. For now, “Magpie” might be a comfort listen for die-hard fans, but it’s unlikely to be the album that brings new ones into the fold.

For those curious, the tracks to check out from this album are “Am I Your Girl,” “Outta Here,” and “Nowhere Next To Me.”