Hailing from Madison, Wisconsin, USA, Penelope’s Thrill are an indie rock band founded by Timothy Walsh in 2015. They’ve just released their second album, Message on the Moon.

By Graeme Smith

Feature artwork by Kelli Hoppmann

Message on the Moon marks a new direction for Penelope’s Thrill, broadening out the subject matter compared to their debut concept album Twilight on Tunnel Road which focussed on a specific love story. The principle theme is metamorphosis, and was inspired by the painting August Night by Madison-based artist Kelli Hoppmann.

The album opens with Things Are Falling Down and we are instantly drawn into its world through a bright yet brooding arrangement and charismatic vocals. Its lyrics are deeply philosophical, giving our society some tough love while tempering it with a happy-go-lucky instrumental. It’s a strong start.

From there we get gentle, storytelling moments like Leslie Are You Sleeping? and Ocean Avenue Sunrise contrasted by brighter rock moments moments like Darby Let’s Go and the country-infused title track Message on the Moon. Hear The Pulse – Street Corner Arrangement has a beautifully timeless style while The House That Goes Dancing has a vaudevillian moodiness about it.

There’s a beautiful uniqueness to Penelope’s Thrill’s sound that makes it infinitely listenable. Combine that with some classic indie rock instrumental arrangements and poignant storytelling, and Message on the Moon is quite a tonic.

Featuring alongside Timothy on Message on the Moon are Ben Lokuta on drums, Ben Jaeger on lead guitar (track 8), Wendy Lynn Markus on violin, his wife Barbara Walsh on backing vocals, Akmaral Zykayeva on violin and backing vocals, and Amanda Sanderson on vocals and backing vocals (who hails from just up the road from here in Newcastle).

It was written, recorded and mixed by Timothy in his home studio, with Akmaral and Amanda providing their contributions remotely. Timothy also produced the album.

Message on the Moon is out now. You can buy it as a digital download from Penelope Thrill’s Bandcamp page, and can check it out below.