In between the fuzzy drone of bedroom pop and psychedelic indie rock lies an alternative world inhabited by the songwriter Jong Lee, otherwise known as Peach Luffe. After releasing his self-produced debut On My Side last year, the Toronto-based artist is back with a new single titled Fairytale.
With its concord of sweet sounds and a bubble gum feel, Fairytale guides you into a 60s psychedelic landscape, opening with a guitar that’s full of shimmery chimes that have a floaty, somewhat dream-like sound to them. Lee uses his vocal range to significant effect, with the song having a gentle lullaby tone. Alongside this, the vocals have a soothing quality which perfectly complements the mellow rhythm of the track.
Despite all of this, Fairytale isn’t as sugary sweet as it seems. There is an emotive undertone lurking beneath Peach Luffe’s well-crafted illusion of paradise. The lyrics deal with Lee’s fears, and the self-sabotaging nature of attachment anxiety in his relationships: “Fairy tales and sunshine, moonlight and paradise, and I’m terrified by that”.
The honesty and tenderness of Peach Luffe’s lyrics add an emotional depth to a song that could have easily been another one-dimensional indie tune. All in all, Fairytale is an enjoyable listen with a lush, catchy pop sound that slowly creeps up on you.
