REVIEW: Peel Dream Magazine – Agitprop Alterna

Whilst having an overly charming name Peel Dream Magazine is the brainchild of Joe Stevens. Releasing superb material over the last few years this latest album, Agitprop Alterna released on Tough Love Records on Friday 3rd April 2020, has Stevens contributing guitars, organ, synth and drum machines with the addition of Jo-Anne Hyun on vocals, there is a subtle nod towards the likes of Stereolab, with a quirky guitar pop with element of the best shoegaze bands this certainly a loveable long player with different corners taken along it seductive path.

Opener Pill is a gentler version of My Bloody Valentines What You Want. Instead of ferocious electric guitars there is a humming guitar feel, with the vocals of Hyun delectably delivering a hypnotic vocal this upbeat opener is a musical treat. Too Dumb takes on a gentler smoother vibe, still with that fuzzy feel but without the attacking energy of the opener, whilst there are robotic rhymes via Do It as spaced out keyboards sway from one speaker to the next, there is even time for some buzz psychedelic guitar on Eyeballs.

Whilst in the midst of the set there is a unexpected long sound burst of broadcasting legend John Peel describing some of his favourite delights he is about to drop on an unsuspecting audience of the time, this addition only further enflames an already burning bright fire as this enigmatic mix of electro and guitar with sultry vocals is a quick fix for anyone looking to fill the void whilst we wait for the next episode from shoegaze stellar acts such as Slowdive and Ride.

Agitprop Alterna can be ordered from the bands own website