Peel's New Single "Love Phobia": A Riff-Driven Rock Anthem

Peel is a band that has flown somewhat under the radar for over two decades, but this undiscovered gem is now hitting harder than ever. With a career that began in the early 2000s, Peel is known for their melodic focus and lyrics that evoke raw emotions—skinned knees, bruised hearts, and dislocated souls, all vivid expressions of life's more painful lessons.

They first made waves with their self-titled album released on Edel Records/Playground Music, featuring tracks such as Natalie Somewhere, Breathe, Comes Down...OK, and Neverending. These songs earned Peel international airplay, with the video for Natalie Somewhere climbing to second place on MTV's Top Nordic Charts. The track also enjoyed chart success in Norway, marking Peel as a band to watch.

Peel's 2008 release, Die in June EP, showcased a darker, almost heavier sound. Singles like (Falling from) Grace, Die in June, and the infectious Second Man on the Moon cemented Peel's ability to blend dark, atmospheric rock with accessible pop melodies. Subsequent releases, including Too Deep, which gained significant traction on German radio, and a re-released Natalie Somewhere, kept the band’s momentum going.

In 2018, Peel released the concept album Ghosts and Shadows to critical acclaim. It was named "Album of the Month" in the Netherlands and featured singles like Like Sand and (We Are) The Wheel, further establishing the band's reputation for creating music with depth and introspection. The following year, the End of Summer EP fused grunge rock and electro-pop with the band’s signature minimalistic approach. Standout track Boy with the Oxygen Mask became a playlist favourite, bolstered by a visually compelling music video.

Peel's 2021 single Better off Alone kept the momentum going, but it’s their latest releases, Someday / Someone and Love Phobia, that truly show Peel at their most potent. These tracks mark the first releases from their highly anticipated forthcoming album, Big Sundown.

"Love Phobia" – A Deep Dive into Peel's Latest Offering

"Love Phobia", the most recent single, is a fiery, riff-driven rock anthem that encapsulates Peel’s current musical direction. With its heavy guitars, pounding drums, and a melody that sticks, the track brings a raw energy reminiscent of 90s grunge, a genre that has clearly influenced Peel’s latest work. Frontman Pim, who remains the creative force behind the band, describes Love Phobia as a song that was needed in the mix of the upcoming album’s varied soundscapes.

According to Pim, Love Phobia was written with the versatility of Peel’s song catalogue in mind. "It’s a band that’s hard to label because when I write new material, I like to explore all kinds of genres,” Pim explains. Recent dives into grunge and 90s rock informed the sound, bringing a nostalgic yet fresh energy to the single. Lyrically, the song is packed with striking one-liners, such as "social dyslexic can't read the room...another paranoia upper-cut...eyes like a funeral," showcasing Peel's knack for vivid, if unconventional, linguistic imagery.

At its core, Love Phobia tells the story of two people whose relationship becomes a trap. Once marked by love and affection, their connection disintegrates into estrangement and emotional detachment. It’s a theme that resonates with many, told through the lens of Peel’s signature bruised and battered lyrical style.

Looking Ahead: The Peel Universe

With Love Phobia already gaining traction on numerous playlists, it’s clear that Peel is not only still going strong after 20-plus years but thriving. The band’s unique ability to blend genres while remaining true to their melodic roots has kept them evolving and gaining new fans—Peelgrims, as they’re affectionately known. And with the upcoming album Big Sundown on the horizon, the anticipation is building.

Founding member Pim, alongside his son Seb, continues to guide the band’s journey. Whether you're a long-time follower or new to the Peel universe, now is the perfect time to dive into their ever-expanding world of emotionally charged, genre-bending music.

With Love Phobia, Peel proves that they still have plenty to say—and plenty of powerful melodies to deliver.