In what is just a year of the band's existence, they have rapidly risen up the tree as one of the least understood but widely respected bands on the Dundee music scene. What they play is, essentially, pure pop of the best kind, with a nod towards indie bite at one end, and singer-songwriter styled folk-rock at the other. Recent gigs have seen them add more of an aggressive streak to their world of warm and danceable tunes, but losing none of the catchy gorgeousness that makes their songs so infectious. On the back of this, they are beginning to mature more as writers, and their newly recorded CD of 2008 - at a production quality that sounds way better than its "demo" status would have you believe - is proof of all the band's qualities in 5 wonderful tracks.
The main lead vocal is the purity of pop passion provided by singer Becki, with acoustic guitarist Barry taking lead vocals on a couple of songs as Becki and lead guitarist Nicky provide lush and strong harmonies. They open with "Hey Yeah", a totally irresistible slice of contemporary rock 'n' roll that sounds like it came out of the film blockbuster "Grease" (and, indeed, if it had, it would have been HUGE!!), as a twangy guitar and a driving rock 'n' roll rhythm have you up and dancing from the start, with Barry's lead vocal and hook, plus the harmonies on the chorus, proving unforgettable for hours after you've heard it, as perfect a pop song as they come. Arranged to be listening pleasure for the head and heart as well as pleasure for the dancing feet, it achieves everything it sets out to do, unfailing in leaving you with a smile on your face after you've heard it.
Next track in sees the bassist opening the song with, of all things, a whistling intro, as acoustic guitar and Becki's flowing vocal start the song before the band kick in, the clean cut guitar weaves its magic and another slice of jaunty magic proves yet again to be as irresistible as it is memorable, with more hooks than a fisherman's basket, glorious harmonies on the choruses, Becki's strong and enchanting vocal soaring over the happy beats and stirring mix of acoustic and electric guitar work, an almost '60's styled guitar break, the icing on the cake, as a wonderful mix of pop, passion and potency take you over.
Third track is a new version of their long-time set closer "Super Fantastic", as a solid lurching rhythm is dished out, the guitars strum away happily and Barry's vocal flies over the top of the mid-paced dancey pop arrangement, leading into a repeated chorus that features some soaring three-part harmonies. With the odd twist and turn plus another economic and excellently placed guitar break, this is a rousing song that can't fail to have you leaping up and down to it. Becki's strong and impassioned yearning vocal opens the next track, immediately hooking you in, as the band come in with a solid lurching rhythm, the crispness of the acoustic guitar, the depth of the subtly used lead guitar and the strong rhythm section allowing the vocals to soar on top to wondrous effect, her self harmonies on the hooks adding extra depth and emotion, as the guitar break is harder and the overall feel of the song is one with more bite and aggression, another great tune. The CD ends with "Sleep Day Dreamer", a track that lures you in with a strong and airy vocal from Becki as the band then come in strongly and the song really starts to drive, in many ways the Peskis take on something that's almost a power ballad, if it wasn't so darned beefy, catchy and danceable. With a stinging guitar solo in the middle, the song veers from sleepy to wode awake with ease and Becki's vocals are pure gorgeousness throughout as the song finds a place in your heart.
Overall, they are a fantastic pop band, of that there is no doubt - in concert, they have an added power and strength that's not wholly in evidence on this excellently recorded, played, sung and produced CD. But, neverhtless, this is a pop CD that you can play for ages without ever tiring of it, and that's how good they are as a band, but there's plenty more to come, of that you can be sure.