'Rose Main Reading Room' Is Peel Dream Magazine's Very Own 50 States Project

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BY Alex HudsonPublished Sep 5, 2024

I am but a simple millennial indie fan: when I hear trilling woodwinds, I think of Sufjan Stevens. There are 50 States Project vibes all over Peel Dream Magazine's gorgeous Rose Main Reading Room — from the soft symphonic sounds right down to the geographically specific lyrics, which namecheck NYC landmarks like Central Park West and the New York Public Library's huge main room.

Peel Dream Magazine used to borrow from the clanging electric grooves of early Stereolab; here, they've moved onto the space-lounge lushness of later Stereolab, making this a lovely piece of early aughts chamber pop. Channeling such ornate, impeccably orchestrated influences is no small feat, and they do it beautifully.

(Topshelf Records)

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