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The Peffercorns, brothers Ben Painter (guitar) and Alex Painter (drums) — as well as their brother-in-law and lead singer Bryce Werskey — make thoughtful indie rock. Lilting vocals, jangly guitar melodies, and understated rhythms come together in campfire sing-alongs heavy in emotion and anthemic choruses. They capture the big-throated styles of everyone from The Lumineers to Arcade Fire to Sufjan Stevens, but with radio-ready earworm hooks.
These three Midwestern musicians appreciate the classics as well. Check out their 2024 single “Night Drive” and their modern take on The Drifters’ “This Magic Moment” for proof.
The Peffercorns have returned for another slice of acoustic-led indie folk/pop with No Time for Sunshine, a short-but-sweet slice of Midwestern longing and heartfelt songwriting. Blink and you’ll miss this three-song EP, but thankfully you just need to hit play again.
“Lose It All” opens the EP with an almost Neutral Milk Hotel feel. Werskey’s vocals have a striking resemblance to the great and reclusive Jeff Mangum here. But Neutral Milk Hotel’s everything-but-the-kitchen-sink instrument collection is replaced with simple acoustic strumming, tasteful electric guitar, and understated percussion. It’s folksy, emotional, and a great vocal performance.
“All-Ahead Full (Ships)” brings some noise in some big electric guitars that offer anthemic, chest-thumping vibes reminiscent of late-2000s Foo Fighters or alternative radio of the ’90s.
It’s the kind of song that would have ended up on a mixtape back in the day, something to even out the quiet vibes with something noisy but equally heartfelt.
The Peffercorns end things on the title track, a minute-long acoustic song that sounds like it was recorded in an intimate moment in the wee hours of the night, microphone set up in the kitchen with a raw feel. It’s a perfect ending.
No Time for Sunshine sees The Peffercorns display their emotions and brotherhood as a band openly and thoughtfully. The Brothers Painter and Werskey invite you to join them and sing along if you feel like it.
