Peel Dream Magazine’s Living Room Music / Album Rose Main Reading Room: A Review

Rose Main Reading Room, the fourth full length by Peel Dream Magazine is what the collective describes as “a lush, inviting headphones record; the kind of album made to accompany city bus rides and rainy-day solo trips to accidental destinations.” Over fifteen tracks the band blends genres, seamlessly going from shoegaze, alt-pop and a genre I have just discovered through the band, but very well fitting- living room music. 

In the heart of New York City, songwriter Joseph Stevens finds inspiration in the city’s iconic landmarks and the natural world. His songs explore themes of instinct, animality, and evolution, with a distinctive sound that combines organic textures with electronic elements. Joining forces with Olivia Babuka Black’s haunting vocals and Ian Gibbs’ versatile instrumentation, Stevens creates a mesmerizing blend of folk and electronic elements, as heard in standout tracks ‘Central Park West’ and ‘Migratory Patterns’

‘Gems and Minerals’ incorporates electronic sounds that resemble something extra-terrestrial but simultaneously a jingle. This only instrumental song reminds me of Whoville by Tyler, the Creator for the soundtrack of The Grinch (2018). Like the title suggests, it sparkles and catches your interest, it is an innovative offering that just works. Followed by the charming ‘Machine Repeating’, a soothing and joy-filled 3-minute track ebbs and flows pleasantly and like the name aptly suggests, it is on repeat in my house. po

‘Dawn’ is a whimsical, easy-to-love, opening song and it really is the perfect companion to a trip quite literally anywhere. I hate to sound like people on social media who always make general statements like “movies aren’t well-lit anymore,” or “music isn’t fun anymore,” but lately I have really related with the latter; an opening track such as this promises good vibes. There is a sense of lightheartedness that both the lyrics and instrumentation add to the song that forms as the best introduction to this album. A voice barely above a whisper but in harmony with the beat sings, “Greet the news in the morning/ Comb your hair, comb your hair wash your face/Find your keys, find your keys grab your coat,” 

The single “Wish You Well” glimmers of hope and frankly, love. The instruments are muted with Oliva Bubaka Black’s gentle voice serenading us while ending a relationship with someone that made them feel used anyway, there is no love lost.

Rose Main Reading Room is a captivating blend of indie pop, classical, and Stereolab-inspired rhythms, creating a world of depth and complexity. With tracks like “Wish You Well” and “Dawn,” the album balances driving energy and soothing tranquility, exploring themes of existence and human experience. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal soundtrack for a contemplative bus ride, with a subtle power that stirs emotions and inspires reflection.

Written by Nthatile Mavuso