It could be considered a fairly big achievement that Peppermint Fiction has been able to pack so much intensity and creativity into just five tracks.
The band has five members, however listening to their tracks, it would be easy to believe that there are more bodies behind their individual sound; opener, ‘Dig In’ commences solely with a guitar riff accompanied by faded cymbal crashes and ghostly vocals, which perfectly match the haunting introduction.
The track builds until we are faced with a tornado of sounds including high-pitched guitar, with lyrics that become ingrained in the mind for several hours after the first listen.
All the tracks here have their own stamp of individuality, travelling in different directions, both instrumentally and vocally.
The standouts, are ‘Jack & Jill’ and ‘Whales and Wolves’, are noticeably experimental and show the band’s inability to stay in a safe zone as they try various styles and structures.
It is most likely difficult to fully experience the band as they intend purely by listening to their recordings, their live show will undoubtedly be quite an experience as, imaginably, these tracks are only a fraction of what Peppermint Fiction are about and they will come to life when played live.
Similarities can be drawn, throughout the EP, from bands such as The Cure, particularly through their experimentation of guitar riffs and styles and also Talking Heads, through the eccentric vocals and chaotic structure.
It is rare that a band can pull off an eccentric and distorted indie sound successfully, however Peppermint Fiction have managed it.
A Peppermint Fiction by Peppermint Fiction
Words: Orla Brady
