by Katie Stollmack (@katiestollmack)
Peel Dream Magazine’s Taurus has been described as a mini-album comprised of outtakes from their 2024 album Rose Main Reading Room. One can certainly tell the two albums share a Moog-infused twee pop sound influenced by Belle and Sebastian, Stereolab, and Yo La Tengo. But, with eight full-bodied songs that flow through a wonderfully fun twenty-three minutes, it would be a crime to diminish Taurus by referring to it as anything other than an album of its own—a free-standing work of art.
“The Band From Northampton" speaks directly to the subject: “I wonder when you’ll get your big break, lost boys and lost girls.” Joe Stevens’ lyrics depict the messy Alex and concerned Allison with her “smart New England air,” forming a narrative and microcosm surrounding the titular band in a tight three verses and choruses. The second-person narrative and bell-like melody are reminiscent of Belle and Sebastian—almost so reminiscent it almost feels derivative. Still, a lovely listen. “The Band From Northampton” is not just one of the album’s highlights, but also a perfect exemplar for the entire jangly, twee album.
“Down From the Trees” is a notable standout from the rest of the album. The song is by far the most experimental, consisting of nature documentary narration overlaid with a droning tone. Birdsong and windchimes fade in and out while a voice describes the similarities between monkeys and humans. The playful mixing takes a monotonous monologue and makes it melodious. The crackly, fuzzy audio combines with twinkling birdsong and windchimes to evoke intense nostalgia. The song breaks away from the primarily pop album, but it is not disruptive.
I was especially charmed by “Take It - Demo,” the album’s final track. I’m always one for the raw sound of a demo. Stripped-down keys, vocals, and barely-audible acoustic guitar work together to create a sweet and poignant closing track. The demo’s simplicity allows the listener to project pretty much any bittersweet emotion onto it. It’s simple and touching and winds the album down perfectly.
Taurus is a writerly album. Although many individual tracks sport repetitive lyrics, these repetitions work together to diverge from pattern, creating rich micro-narratives and character studies. The jangly, synth-rich pop travels from Western Massachusetts to outer space. It is easy to listen to yet innovative. For an album made up of outtakes, Taurus absolutely speaks for itself.