PEAK is a Brooklyn-based Quartet led by guitarist Jeremy Hilliard, a versatile singer–songwriter, that has been performing in its current incarnation since 2019.PEAK’s original music, characterized as psychedelic indie funk, draws from influences ranging from Talking Heads, Phish, and the Grateful Dead to Tom Petty and Bright Eyes.
The band’s three albums, “Electric Bouquet,” “Choppy Water,” and “Vanishing Skies” highlight PEAK’s versatile talents within a range that veers from guitar-driven rock to Americana and melodic indie tunes.
Hilliard’s musicianship and lyric narrative style mesh seamlessly with the talents of keyboard master Johnny Young. Friends for many years, the two started writing songs together as the band began to take shape. Blind since age 17, Young has been blessed with a soulful voice and musical talents that help PEAK paint richly detailed, ever-changing visions of color and sound on the stage.
Drummer Kito Bovenschulte and bassist Josh T. Carter provide the flawless beat that moves the music of PEAK through a playlist including a distinctive mix of searing blues rock, high-energy electro funk and moody indie originals.
The band has shared the stage with acts such as Goose, Eggy, Dizgo, Lespecial, Neighbor, Mihali, Kendal Street Company, The Magic Beans, Space Bacon, and many more.
Choppy Water is the second album by Brooklyn, NY-based jam Quartet PEAK and was recorded throughout 2020 and 2021 at their studio. The material was culled from several years of songwriting and road-testing. The album was mixed and mastered by Jason “Jocko” Randall (Turkuaz/ Jimkata/ Dopapod) at Moresound Studios in Syracuse, NY.
Stylistically, the album is groove-based psychedelic rock, with elements of funk, electro-pop, prog, and Americana. The performances could be compared to a Steely Dan or Allman Brothers album, with virtuosic musicianship from every instrument including deep, polished grooves from the bass and drums as well as guitar and keys solos that wail with searing intensity.
What is truly remarkable here are the songs. The songwriting doesn’t owe anything to anyone else. You don’t need to look farther than the song titles themselves to see that these are ten unique ideas. Put the album on, and you will be immediately startled to hear the powerful focus with which the group has defined their sound. Choppy Water is ultimately the story of how the band came through a bizarre chapter in the world with a new, distinct voice.
Vanishing Skies is PEAK’s third full-length studio album, recorded at Horizon Sound in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Engineered by Michelle Young and mixed/mastered by Jason “Jocko” Randall, this album builds upon the success of 2021’s Choppy Water. The band picks up where it left off with the songwriting of the previous album while honing an even more distinctive overall sound.
Band Members
Jeremy Hilliard
guitar and vocals
Johnny Young
keys and vocals
Kito Bovenschulte
drums
