Peach Tree Rascals - “Mango”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Easy Life, Brockhampton, Cuco

Peach Tree Rascals are playing with the boy-band concept in a wholly contemporary way, basing their music around bouncy, chillwave R&B but still finding a way to insert their unique perspectives verse by verse. The five members of Peach Tree Rascals share their multicultural roots in the way they approach their songwriting and performance, from hip hop verses to Latin rock/pop infused melodies placed across eleven singles since debuting in 2018. There’s a comfortable coolness in Peach Tree Rascals’ music, but the quirky, personable approach gives their sound life. It’s a sound both tripped out and fun, complex but easygoing. Deep, emotive soul like the slowed-down, bassy “Violet” pairs nicely against the funky, sunny nature of “Mariposa”, a slice of pure pop that highlights their pass-the-mic approach, but done with sweet vocal tones instead of straight rap verses. It’s a charming sound, but not too sugary to overstay its welcome and a groove that is refreshing in its own creative and youthful way. (Kevin McStravick)