illustration by Gracen Hoyle

For the record, the Peach Tree Rascals is both a brand-new band to me and one of my favorite band names as well. This week, Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’ recommended Peach Tree Rascals’ recently released EP, “I can’t wait for you to come my way.” The five-member group based out of Los Angeles is made up of Dominic Pizano, Issac Pech, Tarrek Abdel-Khaliq, Joseph Barros and Jorge Olazaba and implements a unique blend of influences to produce feel-good, cheerful tunes.

Flavors of R&B, alternative/indie pop, funk, and hip-hop blend deliciously for a distinctive sound that’s quickly gaining them popularity amongst listeners. Peach Tree Rascals has only been releasing music since 2018, but the other 7.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify would agree that they are definitely doing something right. While typically I review longer, full-length LPs, I figured the latest project from this group deserves a little press as well. The six-track EP comes in at just 20 minutes in length, but its good vibes and laid-back tone put you in a good mood the entire time you’re listening.

Peach Tree Rascals had only released singles as a group until August 21 of this year when “I can’t wait for you to come my way” came out. As the group’s first project-based release, they’ve put together six songs that fit perfectly together. The EP opens with lyrics that title the EP in the lead song “Mariposa.” A groovy drum beat, smooth guitar chords and funky key riffs accompany the lyrics, “I can’t wait for you / To come my way / I’ve been far away / But I’ll keep runnin’ / Just to find a way to you til’ then.” “Mariposa” has awarded the group most of their attention with close to 95 million streams alone on Spotify, and it’s no wonder why. The song is intoxicatingly catchy and easy to put on repeat. “I’m sorry” follows as the second track and alludes to more of an indie rock sound with impressions of acoustic guitars, shakers and a kick-drum driven beat. Another catchy chorus features lyrics, “Hold my pride when I go outside / Tell my Mama I’ll be home on time / Come on (come on) mmm, come on (come on, come on) / Wash my soul, all the drugs I did / Can’t go back to the place I’ve been / I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” “Deer,” my personal favorite, and “Mango” and “Glide” include a few new sounds aligning with chill hip-hop and R&B. Influences of Frank Ocean, John Mayer and Kendrick Lamar are mixed into a sound that comes off authentic and smooth.

It’s clear that the Peach Tree Rascals put a lot of effort and attention into creating a sound that’s unique to them. It’s not overbearing, it doesn’t feel forced and it comes off as genuine feel-good music. The EP closes with “Violet,” the slowest song on the record and a slight change in subject. Exploring themes of loneliness and feelings of post-breakup emptiness, “Violet” is the one song on the EP that comes off a little sad if you pay attention to the lyrics. “I think it’s time I let you go / ‘Cause I’ve been holding on and waiting for too long / And I don’t know if I can take this.” Despite the lyrics, there’s an air of optimism to the song, and you can’t help but feel the same way when looking at the smiley face on the design of the EP’s cover.

I’ve only had Peach Tree Rascals on my radar for the last week, but I can guarantee that they’ll be there for a lot longer. “I can’t wait for you to come my way” in its entirety is a perfect 20-minute playlist to listen to working, relaxing or just hanging out. It’s easygoing, wholesome and suits a wide variety of moods. Peach Tree Rascals’ “I can’t wait for you to come my way” brings a fresh and eclectic sound that is sure to bring them more success in the future, and I’ll definitely be here for it.