Peaking Lights really had everything I look for in a release: retro sounds, low fidelity, and a supposedly hypnotic repetition. Upon listening, I grew increasingly disappointed with this album. Despite possessing all those qualities, it failed to make any lasting impact on me.
I see where their influences come from: early, drugged-out Pocahaunted or a milder Sun Araw. But their arrangements lack the more forceful impact of either of those bands. Somehow there’s just a weakness with those flat vocals. Only the bass seems to really drive these songs, otherwise nothing else appears to be holding them together. The drums are virtually non-existent, and the melodies surprisingly forgettable.
Not Not Fun released this which shocked me. Usually they tend to put out better quality musicians. All the tracks go on for far too long considering the dearth of creative ideas. Repeating the same mantra works only if there appear to be meaningful tweaks or if the song is structured properly.
Despite the weakness, I’d say it does have a good song which raises above all the rest. “Tiger Eye (Laid Back)” achieves what they appear to be aiming for in the rest of the songs. Vocals here are again flat, but they work well with the strong arrangements. Consider it like an extended Nite Jewel song. Other than this exceptional track, it is relatively uneventful.