Peach Pit brought a beautiful and intimate performance to Nottingham’s Rock City
The band brought their tour to Nottingham.
Photo: Mackenzie Walker
There’s something incredible about the way Peach Pit coordinate their live performances. The Vancouver-based indie legends have always had a penchant for creating melancholic lyrics whilst keeping the melodies breezy and sun-kissed, leaving the listener with a euphoric experience, regardless of the true content of their lyrics. It’s always a full-bodied experience that lingers long after the last chord fades.
At Rock City, the band proved again, without fail, that their live show isn’t just a recreation of their recorded songs. From the moment frontman Neil Smith sauntered onstage, hands above his head with the peace signs on display, and an instrumental of Black Sabbath’s iconic song War Pigs, it was clear the Richard Nixon-esque imitation was a statement of defiance in today’s political landscape. It was clear this would be a night of effortless charm.
The band kicked off with Magpie, from their latest hit album of the same name; its jangly guitar riff sending an immediate wave of recognition through the crowd. Bassist Peter Wilton and guitarist Chris Vanderkooy locked into their signature groove, while drummer Mikey Pascuzzi kept the rhythm tight. The crowd, anticipating the moment of bliss from the very first chord, settled in for what was the first song of a fantastic set.
Tracks from their latest album blended seamlessly with fan favourites. Did You Love Somebody had the room swaying in unison, while Shampoo Bottles, Give Up Baby Go and Being So Normal kicked off the sing-alongs. Smith’s voice, somehow both laid-back and deeply emotive, carried every wistful line with an intimacy that made the venue feel like a listening session with close friends: just bigger, louder, and illuminated with well-timed stage lights.
The band’s chemistry was incredible, trading grins between songs and stretching out solos just enough to keep things loose. Vanderkooy’s guitar work was a particular standout, causing the crowd to scream and cheer each time he stepped forward to show off his superb skills. His lush, reverb-drenched tones filled the room on emotive tracks like Private Presley, while hyping the crowd on others such as Alrighty Aphrodite and Techno Show.
But the real magic came during the encore. As the opening chords of Peach Pit rang out, the crowd erupted, shouting back every word like a collective catharsis, with Neil having fun with the crowd during the chorus after a loud few slipped up on the lyrics. For a band that sings so much about longing and lost moments, there was something beautifully immediate about the way they connected, proving once again why Peach Pit remains one of indie’s most genuinely loveable and down-to-earth acts. Finishing the encore with Tommy’s Party, one of the band’s most nostalgic tracks, they left the room in a state of awe and wonder at the stunning performance they had just witnessed.
Setlist:
1) Magpie
2) Drop the Guillotine
3) Psychics in L.A.
4) Black Licorice
5) Am I Your Girl
6) Give Up Baby Go
7) Yasmina
8) Outta Here
9) Being So Normal
10) What Once Was/Techno Show
11) Alrighty Aphrodite
12) Did You Love Somebody
13) Vickie
14) Every Little Thing
15) Shampoo Bottles
16) Private Presley
Encore:
17) Peach Pit
18) Tommy’s Party