First featuring on our pages in 2022, Penny Roox is an indie pop singer songwriter based in the Netherlands.
By Graeme Smith
For some of us, it’s hard to form connections and, dare I say, not always desirable. Yet, when we do make one that’s strong, it’s invaluable and worth ruminating on. That’s the concept of Penny Roox’s new EP By My Side, a five track collection touching on relationships that are important to her.
That concept comes through strongly and straight away with the EP’s opening title track. There’s a classic feel to its composition and Penny’s distinctive vocals star. They deliver lyrics that are rich with relatable detail and a soaring chorus is full of heartfelt longing. Cinematic strings seal the deal during a powerful bridge.
Baby Blue takes things in a darker, more stripped-back direction; it’s Lana Del Rey-esque with its dreamy melancholia. Pop Song keeps things acoustic in the first verse and brings with it some introspective and insightful lyrics before building to a vibrant arrangement rich with lo-fi pop sensibilities. Garden of Eden is a lively and timeless moment where Penny’s vocals are at their most expressive before When This All Ends closes the EP with a smouldering and soulful meditation that introduces elements of Americana in its cathartic, piano-led instrumental.
With her new EP, Penny Roox captures the light and shade of relationships with an incredible astuteness. It’s all brought to life through her inimitable vocals and instrumentals that range from the intimate and acoustic to the expansive and cinematic. If you love alternative pop then it definitely needs to find its way into your rotation.
Featuring on By My Side are guitarist Thuur Onrust and bassist John Marsman. It was produced by Marcel Tegelaar and was recorded at his studio. The EP is out now and you can check it out below.