Jack Penate: Matinee (XL)

 |   |  <1 min read

Jack Penate: Learning Lines
Jack Penate: Matinee (XL)

This gritty, rocking album has been floating around for a few weeks but seems to have been passed over by most writers.

That's strange given Penate's high profile in the UK where he has been hailed like a Billy Bragg on heat, as a South London soul poet, and "the new darling of pop" (The Sun)

There is an undeniable energy to his smartly crafted songs which equally recall the Jam, the Tom Robinson Band and anxious folk-punks. But he also has a wonderful way with a melodic ballad (the gorgeous string-supported We Will Be Here) which suggests that he is a whole lot smarter than his noisy peers and is in for the long haul.

He has a musical reach and ambition that is barely hinted at on this impressive debut. Get in now and avoid the rush.

Share It

Your Comments

post a comment

More from this section   Music at Elsewhere articles index

The Roulettes: Unread Books (Roulettes)

The Roulettes: Unread Books (Roulettes)

The openers here by this Auckland trio don't initially seem stray too far from the template of fizzing and slightly fuzzy power pop-rock, but when the spirit of Marc Bolan and early Bowie walk... > Read more

The Louvin Brothers: My Baby's Gone 1955-64 (Raven/EMI)

The Louvin Brothers: My Baby's Gone 1955-64 (Raven/EMI)

About 15 years ago (at least) I saw a short-lived Auckland band The Dribbling Darts of Love which was fronted by Matthew Bannister, formerly of Sneaky Feelings. I'd always liked Matthew's music and... > Read more

Elsewhere at Elsewhere

Oyster Pie: A "firm favourite" as summer wanes

Oyster Pie: A "firm favourite" as summer wanes

The Bluff oyster season usually opens in March in New Zealand so people might be looking for something more to do with those big, rich delights than just eating them raw or with a splash of... > Read more

SPOTTED ON SPOTIFY: An endless stream of music

SPOTTED ON SPOTIFY: An endless stream of music

The hills – and elevators, supermarkets and doctors' waiting rooms – are alive with the sound of music. Yet despite being assailed by often unwanted Muzak, most of us still want... > Read more