Press Play: Penelope Isles

Penelope Isles is the product of siblings Jack and Lily Wolter, Beck Redford and Jack Sowton. The Brighton-based quartet has been dazzling listeners with layers of sultry guitar tones and silky harmonies since the release of their debut EP “Comfortably Swell” on Bandcamp in 2015.   After a few years of contemplation and tons of gigs across Europe, the band signed with record label Bella Union and released their debut effort “Until the Tide Creeps In.”

“Until the Tide Creeps In” has had a month to simmer on listeners’ eardrums and demonstrate what Penelope Isles is capable of. The record’s psychedelic rock sound favors pure melodies and soft texture, but that doesn’t mean the band shies away from heavier sonics. Opening track Chlorine kicks off the album in a dreamy but striking piece of psychedelic pop. Round is a swaying rock and roll jam complete with a fuzzed-out guitar solo.  “Until the Tide Creeps In” maintains momentum with a resounding pop hook on later track Leipzig; The echoey chorus, “what was it even like before?” is bound to stay inside of brains long after the song is over.