The UK’s Penny Betts provides a uniquely smooth blend of indie-pop and sixties-style songwriting. A four-piece know precisely who they are and how they want to sound. They are inspired by bands stretching as far back as Cream and Pink Floyd as much as modern influences like The Arctic Monkeys and Tame Impala.
Beach-side vibes meet with classic UK tones and an anthem-like approach to songwriting. The band has honed their style and sound over time, with lead singer Matt Felix and guitarist Al Finch first jamming together back in their school years. Over time, bassist Lufta and drummer Jocelyn completed the arrangement and kicked off a whole new chapter for the band.
The unveils its infectious new single ‘Lights!’. Narrating the story of a dreamer observing ordinary life, the four-piece explains, “It was written late at night all in one go, with lyrics and music arriving simultaneously. A demo was made the next morning, with the structure being cemented. The groove of the song only came once we played it all together, changing it from a straight indie rock type track to something more authentic. The big fuzzy guitar riff at the end was taken from another unfinished song idea of ours”.
Recorded entirely on tape with producer Brett Shaw (Foals, Florence and the Machine, Clean Bandit), “Lights!” illustrates the band’s desire to emit raw, dry sounds. Its musicianship and composition are profound, creating a resonance that may very well be the threshold other bands work towards. The track has the makings of a club anthem and carries the blueprint for the engaging, memorable and noteworthy ballads.
The band share, “We always had this sound in our heads that we could never really make a reality, but Brett knew exactly what we wanted and even exceeded our expectations. Recording onto tape is something really beautiful, and we’ll do it whenever we can”. Oozing with effortless vocals, dazed melodies, and a lethargic rhythm section, Penny Betts craft a dreamy, hypnotic track.
Rock and roll has returned, the genre and the original flair of the 60s and 70s is alive and well. With a touch of originality and a willingness to storm through language barriers – thanks to Matt Felix’ French native tongue – Penny Betts are well on their way to carving out a path of their own. Passion and musical precision meet under the blanket of sweeping guitars and experimental waves of audio warmth. This band aims to get you dancing, connecting, and embracing the live music scene as the rightful escapism it was always meant to be. We look forward to following them over the coming years.
Photo: Image courtesy of LPR Agency
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