Gentle Leader

2018 release. L.A.s DIY sunshine punk favorites Peach Kelli Pop are back with Gentle Leader, the bands fourth full length album and first in three years. It is a departure for the bands founder, Allie Hanlon, demonstrating growth and a new confidence as a musician and songwriter. Following close on the tails of the bands recent EP, Which Witch, their first with renowned Canadian indie pop label Mint Records, the album captures the band at a crossroads exploring new ideas and complexity while maintaining their colorful energy. Gentle Leaders ten tracks are inspired by a unique range of guitar-driven power pop and feedback laden post-punk from the 80s and 90s. Unlike the bands past releases which were almost entirely written, recorded and produced by Hanlon, this album is a collaborative effort. Engineer/producer Roland Cosio played guitar on some of the songs. Sophie Negrini is also on guitar, and Andrew Bassett of Portlands party-punk band Mean Jeans provided the drumming. This new collaborative spirit works well, highlighting the strengths of each performer and creating a more sophisticated record without sacrificing Hanlons distinct vision. Like a collection of short stories, each of the ten tracks on this album possesses its own background, narrative and unique charm.