Do you ever listen to a record or a band, and within seconds of listening you just feel, “I HAVE to tell someone about this?” I do. All the time, and it’s probably why I’ve been doing this for 18 years. Typing into the void. ANYWAY. I’ve been listening to the new Penelope Isles record a lot this past week, and something about it just will not leave my brain. Something about this record…something. I’m not sure what, but I think it may be due to the fact that I’m from the same place as Jack and Lily, and part of the record feels like home- even if I’ve spent the past 20 years or so escaping it, ha!
Now, for the most part the music I listen to is loud and probably unlistenable to most. That kind of music eases my brain but there are times where I need to listen to something calming. Balance. Those bands are usually the likes of Beach House, Warpaint. Along comes 3 by Penelope Isles and maybe my calming trilogy is complete. This may seem like an odd thing to write, but the record feels exactly how the front cover looks. Gentle, calm and like you are at the beach on a relatively cold day. As someone who grew up by the sea, I will always stand by that being on the beach during a cold day is a billion times better than being on the beach during the summer.
3 is a record that will stand the test of time, and if you want to compare it to Penny Isles’ previous releases- go ahead, that’s okay but regardless of if this was their first or tenth record; it is their finest work. I’ve listened to the record an obsessive amount over the past few weeks, and I’ve gone back and forth with what I’ve written so far to make sure I still feel the same about the record. I clearly do, and hand on heart- 3 is a masterpiece. Maybe it’s because they are siblings and you can hear the closeness on the record, and you can feel the purity of it. Or maybe it’s because separately and together- Lily and Jack are just incredible musicians. I know my opinion is biased based on the IOM connection but let’s allow it.
I go back to certain songs on the record but the one I adore has to be Birthdays. The lyrics to it are so observant and precious. The part where Lily gently sings, “Cat goes meow” is something I sing/say at my cat whenever I walk past her. She looks at me like I have 12 heads. What’s new! It’s such a gorgeous song, and I think Another Kind Of Love is the purest song around but with hints of heartache. Jack’s vocals on this are as exceptional, and again- another gentle moment on the record, and it’s such a beautiful way to open the record. The record is gentle and calming. Whatever you need from the record or just music in general- you will find it here. I think it’s partially why I feel quite emotional when I listen to it. It makes me miss home, but at the same time- it’s not home anymore, so you find that safety wherever you can. The record makes you feel like you are looking out to see with the wind wrapping itself around you, and you’re off into a spin. Where it takes you no longer matters, none of that matters anymore and that’s when you know you have found a jewel of a record.
Something I really love about the record is the honesty in the lyrics and how observant they are, and how easy it is to find yourself in these songs. It’s so simple, but the line on Thinking Seat, “Please don’t ask me how I am because I’ll burst out into tears” is beyond relatable. There is no one on this earth that cannot relate to that. I’m going to bloody cry when I see them next month in Paris aren’t I?! Fully resigned myself to it. The day before my birthday too!
There are many things that can make a record, and a band truly special. There’s no set “thing.” But you just know when you hear it, and that’s what you get from this record. There’s a lot of emotion on this record, and it’s the kind of feelings that give you comfort and reassurance. Everything about 3 is done so perfectly. From the production to the order of the songs- it all makes sense. Also, the album was recorded live so that adds another special layer to it.
3 is their first record with the band recording as a three-piece. The addition of Joe Taylor on drums adds another charming layer to this record, and it all comes together so perfectly. You can truly feel the sibling love on this record, and it’s another reason as to why you feel quite emotional listening to it. There have been some great records to have come out this year, but I don’t think any record has clicked more emotionally than this one. It’s next level, and it just oozes care, peace, questioning and love.
I started writing this the day the record came out, and because I’ve listened to it so much- I kept finding more things I wanted to say and wanted to get it right. I think this will be a record I go back to in 10, 20 years’ time and still feel like I do today about it. This is a record to treasure and to be utterly proud of- I’m in awe of it. Truly.
