B-Side Guys

Every once in a while, an artist comes along who reminds us of the magic and wonder that modern pop music can still evoke. Enter PEGGY, the Michigan-born singer-songwriter whose debut EP “DEAR READER” is a whimsical, introspective journey through the looking glass of contemporary pop.

Released on April 26, 2024, “DEAR READER” is a six-track odyssey that clocks in at a brisk 20 minutes, but packs an emotional punch that belies its brevity. From the opening notes of “FEMININE RAGE,” it’s clear that PEGGY is an artist who isn’t afraid to tackle heavy themes with a sense of playful irreverence. Over a bed of shimmering synths and pulsing beats, she delivers a scathing indictment of toxic masculinity and the societal pressures that women face, her voice equal parts sugar and spice.

But “DEAR READER” is more than just a feminist manifesto – it’s a deeply personal exploration of PEGGY’s own struggles with mental health and the power of imagination to both heal and isolate. On “ALICE,” she draws parallels between her own experiences with dissociation and the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, her breathy vocals floating over an ethereal soundscape of twinkling piano and airy guitar. “Wonderland was all a hoax,” she sings, a haunting acknowledgement of the dangers of getting lost in one’s own mind.

Elsewhere, PEGGY grapples with the complexities of modern romance and the fear of commitment. “FLIGHT RISK” is a quirky, upbeat ode to the joys and perils of air travel, with PEGGY using the metaphor of a missed flight to explore her own tendency to run away from intimacy. “30 SECOND LOVE STORY,” meanwhile, is a wistful, piano-driven ballad that captures the fleeting nature of infatuation, with PEGGY spinning a vivid tale of a “train crush” that never quite materializes.

But it’s on the EP’s title track that PEGGY truly bares her soul, delivering a heartfelt plea to an unnamed “reader” to join her on a journey of self-discovery. “Let me be the Wendy to your Peter Pan,” she sings, her voice soaring over a lush orchestral arrangement that feels like something straight out of a Disney movie. It’s a moment of pure, unabashed romanticism, a reminder that even in a world that can be cold and cruel, there is still magic to be found.

Musically, “DEAR READER” is a kaleidoscopic blend of genres and influences, with PEGGY drawing on everything from classic literature to modern pop to create a sound that is uniquely her own. The production, courtesy of a team of top-notch collaborators, is lush and immersive, with each track feeling like a miniature sonic world unto itself. But it’s PEGGY’s voice that truly ties the EP together – a versatile instrument that can shift from soft and breathy to powerful and commanding in the space of a single verse.

Lyrically, “DEAR READER” is a testament to PEGGY’s skill as a storyteller, with each track painting a vivid picture of a specific moment or feeling. Whether she’s grappling with the aftermath of trauma on “MESS” or reveling in the joys of a new crush on “30 SECOND LOVE STORY,” PEGGY has a knack for capturing the universal through the lens of the personal. And while the EP deals with some heavy themes, there’s a sense of whimsy and wonder that runs throughout, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is still beauty and magic to be found.

Ultimately, “DEAR READER” is a stunning debut from an artist who seems poised for big things. With her unique blend of introspection and irreverence, her knack for crafting catchy yet meaningful pop songs, and her undeniable charisma and stage presence, PEGGY is a force to be reckoned with. And while the EP may clock in at a mere 20 minutes, it feels like the beginning of a much longer journey – one that we can’t wait to see unfold.

So if you find yourself in need of a little enchantment, a little whimsy, a little reminder of the power of imagination and the beauty of the human experience, look no further than PEGGY’s “DEAR READER.” It’s a fairytale for the modern age, a testament to the enduring magic of pop music, and a sign of great things to come from an artist who is just getting started.