The self-titled debut is the result of a reclusive savant uniting a group of like-minded musicians at the River Church, a laboratory-slash-funhouse of his own invention. While possible to categorize as pop music, Pegg contains multitudes. Kinetic rhythms and elegant balladry co-exist. While the distinct collaborative nature is not only important, but crucial, the contents are quite personal. Spiritual and familial identity is inspected, reckoned with, celebrated, and danced to. As the ringleader of this project wants you to know: “Pegg is just as advertised on the cover—a model of my head leaving a trail of flowers in its wake.”

The skeleton of Pegg was based on a set of grooves Xander Duell created with quietly influential experimental R&B enigma Jon Bap. Produced by the acclaimed indie artist Bartees Strange and award-winning Irish composer Alex Dowling, Pegg also features folks behind Buke and Gase & Standing on the Corner, members of Sharon Van Etten & Kelela touring bands, plus Fusilier, Van Dyke Parks, and more.