Penrose
Dublin, Ireland | Established. Jan 01, 2015 | SELF
Music
Press
Irish indie rock ensemble Penrose has its roots in a two person act originally started by musicians Darragh McGrane and Phil O’Luanaigh in 2013. The duo quickly began to build up hype by performing at venues such as Sweeney’s and The Mercantile, as well as through appearances on Balcony TV and Radio Nova.
The line-up has gradually expanded and evolved over the last two years, currently consisting of rhythm guitarist Caolan Fitzsimons, bassist Mark Bolger and drummer Alan Byrne alongside McGrane on vocals and guitar. Right now, the Dublin based quartet are preparing to unleash their four track debut EP, Live for the Dream, just in time for summer.
The compilation gets going with the swift and stirring riff of “See You Again”, which persists behind a heartfelt harmony. This leads into an upbeat and infectious chorus during which the atmosphere remains rousing. Its enthralling instrumental execution keeps things lively, while the vocals are rich with passion and enthusiasm from start to finish.
“Melody” bounces in next upon a cheerful beat that sticks around as a sunny and spirited verse takes off. The catchy chorus is just as energetic and absorbing, adding to the delightfully upbeat ambience of the piece. Its altogether bright and buoyant demeanour makes for an offering that’s as uplifting as it is exciting.
“Harmony” is more solemn and serious afterwards, but still carries plenty of vigour and vitality. Fervent vocals and poignant instrumentation generate an affecting air which feels full of depth and meaning.
It’s followed by the soft and serene introduction of “Where You Go Now”. This is ahead of a reserved harmony that echoes gently across a warm and relaxed riff. After building towards an emotional instrumental outburst, mellow vocals bridge the gap to a bracing guitar session which culminates in a loud and captivating climax.
Penrose have put together an extremely accomplished and arresting record here, especially considering it’s only their inaugural effort. Each of its entries unfolds with the skill and proficiency of a band with years of experience, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. Live for the Dream will be available to own in July, but for now you can check it out on Soundcloud. - Pur M Magazine
Starting off a clatter of studio atmospherics that leads straight into widescreen jangle of ‘See You Again’, there can be no doubt that Penrose’s debut E.P. is a stylised affair built from layered guitars, harmonies and background textures.
A promising start continues as the group’s Brit-pop inflected songwriter comes to fore in tracks like ‘Melody’, a song covered in the bouncing, upbeat vibrancy that indie-rock is capable of when in the right hands and Penrose do seem to be in complete control of this.
However, it is in the large-scale ambition of ‘Harmony’ that Penrose really stand-out from the crowd. With little held back the group reach for the opulent production and hi-fi scope of the Brit-pop era with confidence, big dramatic strings, catchy choruses and scene stealing guitar solo all merge together to deliver a full-on indie-rock anthem.
Penrose clearly have love and understanding for their influences. Whether it be the full anthemic Oasis styled indie of ‘Harmony’ or jangle of ‘See You Again’ Penrose recreate it with passion, this is undeniable. While Live For The
Dream is not a dramatic re-imagining of the indie-rock formula, it is a faithful exploration of it and one that the Dublin act can build on in the future. - The Last Mixed Tape
The debut album of Dublin quartet Penrose on first listen sounds very familiar – this is by no means a bad thing. Reminding us over-all a lot of much missed fellow Dubs, The Thrills, ‘Live For The Dream’ is a polished and quality first release, and bodes well for the follow up.
The first, ‘See You Again’, is a gem of a song, guitar-led and gorgeous, with a nice contrast between the lead and backing vocals. A definite 60s California feel to the track which sets us up for the remainder of the EP, it’s very pleasing, with a distinct Thrills vibe about it.
‘Melody’ leads in with a stomping beat and an Ed Sullivan-style intro, the punchy vocals very reminiscent of Oasis and The Beatles and lyrically a lot of fun with lines like “if you’re gonna be lazy, be lazy with me, come drink your tea”. We defy anyone not to tap their foot or nod their head to this song.
‘Harmony’, another musically-titled song, feels like part two to ‘Melody’ – the young couple in a new romance have settled down into a serious relationship now. In parts again reminding us of Oasis and the Beatles, there’s also more than a hint of the influence of Kodaline, and of course, The Thrills. The band totally coalesces – no one member sticks out, giving a very mature and complementary feel to this song.
Last song, ‘Where You Go Now’ is the most Beatles-esque song on ‘Live For The Dream’, the echoing chorus soaring off into a psych-pop wave of guitar and vocal harmonies until it finally zooms off into the end of the album.
Penrose can take a bow – ‘Live for the Dream’ is an EP that many established artists would be pleased to have in their catalogues. - Essentially Pop
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Irish indie rock ensemble Penrose has its roots in a two person act originally started by musician Darragh McGrane in 2013. The original line up quickly gained hype by performing at venues such as Sweeney’s, The Grand Social, Sin E and The Mercantile as well as appearances on Balcony TV and Radio Nova.
The line-up has gradually expanded to a four piece ensemble and their pedigree is quickly developing with the band supporting the likes of Jack L, The Original Rude Boys, The Mighty Stef ,Paddy Casey and From the Jam and The Minutes on the vibrant Irish live scene…each performance well lauded by those media present at the gigs. The ill fated Killarney Festival (regrettably cancelled, June 2015) should have seen Penrose open the Main Stage, sharing the bill with Duran Duran, Texas and The Proclaimers. Instead the band was invited that weekend to share the bill with Damien Dempsey and Mundy at the INEC, Killarney - a pop up alternative event put together for charity.
Penrose can now be described as a solid Indie Rock/Pop band with catchy uplifting songs that have “attitude” and that stick in your head. Mixing the pop sensibilities& harmonies of The Beatles / ELO, the snarling vocals of Marc Bolan and the rhythmic acoustic guitars of The Verve, Penrose are a truly powerful force…live and on record. The guys are ready to make their mark on the international music scene.
The line-up sees Caolan Fitzsimons (rhythm guitar), Mark Bolger (bass) and drummer Donal Bowens complementing McGrane’s lead vocals and lead guitar. The Dublin based quartet having successfully unveiled there debut EP “ Live for the Dream” which charted at NO.1 in the Irish charts to a sell out house of fans & media at The Grand Social July, 25th last. The Band then released there critically acclaimed single MELODY wich charted at No. 10 in the Irish charts and was picked up by all Irish national radio stations such as Today FM, FM 104 and RTE, with TV appearances to on RTE's TwoTube, the band then followed this up with yet another sell out show to their home fans in Dublins own Academy 2 venue. They are now planning the release of there second EP for Spring 2016 with Irish and UK tour dates to be announced very soon.
Press:Hot Press 5/5 "Upbeat ,Effervescent and infectious. The stomping radio friendly tune harks back to the days of 90's Britpop"JOE.IE SONG Of the Day 5/5 " one of the best most exciting bands to come out of ireland in years, feel good sing along music"The Last Mixed Tape 4/5 “a song covered in the bouncing, upbeat vibrancy that indie-rock is capable of when in the right hands”Essentially pop 5/5 “We defy anyone not to tap their foot or nod their head to this song”
Pure M Magazine 4/5 “its bright and buoyant demeanour makes for an offering that’s as uplifting as it is exciting”
Dublin Concerts 4/5 “it’s a smart upbeat song which has memorable hooks all the way through. Single written all over it”
Unsigned & Independent 5/5 “majestic as much as it is rich in calibre”
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