Review by Andy Andrade (@luckybagelboy)
Bursts of inspiration dances to the rhythm of resemblance. New York musician Joe Stevens continues to form a collage of archived sonic spectacle with Peel Dream Magazine’s sophomore album Agitprop Alterna. From the opening track “Pill” a takeoff without sequences launches towards strange vibrations. Rocket engine drums reignite the explosive fury of their live performances in the studio. The power of Brian Alvarez and Kelly Winrich behind the kit seems unlimited as relentless strikes land with precision. Jet guitars drone in the background of each track, never releasing their attack on reality. We have been here before, but not like this. Peel Dream Magazine are beyond homage or pastiche; they elevate the standard for dream pop without compromise.
The hypnotic lucid inducing male-female vocals harmonies from Joe Stevens and longtime friend Jo-Anne Hyun are featured throughout the album. Particular tracks like “Emotional Devotion Creator” and “Escalator Ism” demonstrate the potential of could-have-been live collaboration and the magnitude of their abilities to transcend studio walls. The vocals control a space between daydreams and reality. With each listen, I remain a passenger on a cosmic cruise. Peel Dream Magazine leads a starved imagination with intricate direction. Stevens perfectionism exposes homemade secrets met with awe.
Unlike Modern Meta Physic, Stevens doesn’t sing alone for most tracks. When he does, songs are accompanied by a cyclone of guitar effects, encapsulating a star-scape of tone and technique. One of the shortest tracks “Do it” exemplifies Peel Dream Magazine’s calling card; astonishing simplicity. You hear the repeating bassline on your walks to the bodega, in the shower, in your dreams. Touching the psyche isn’t a cheap trick nor rehearsed aspiration. It arrives without intention.
Agitprop Alterna blurred wishes are fulfilled by focus. A continuation of the experimental production methods of My Bloody Valentine during Isn’t Anything can be heard throughout the album, however, Joe Stevens unique approach with members rotating in and out of the studio, the stage or the county, provided a utopian fashion for recording. The patience and dedication to an art form resembles both Kevin Shields and Neil Halstead in the manner of delicacy. Each gear will turn at its own pace and the reward of fluidity can be traced.
In a time of tremendous turbulence and culture freeze, Peel Dream Magazine emerges from a quarantined bedroom as one of New York City’s leading champions. Agitprop Alterna is an album that will be replayed countless times in our strange post-live music world. Joe Stevens has unintentionally brought us together in a moment where New Yorkers are separated, reminding us; when we are shocked, we hesitate.
Agitpop Alterna is out now everywhere via Slumberland Records; you can stream it down below…