Bloomington, Indiana-based shoegaze quartet Just Penelope has officially joined the esteemed roster of Angel Tapes, an imprint of the critically acclaimed independent label Fire Talk Records. This significant signing heralds the release of their captivating debut single, "After," accompanied by a compelling music video, and the imminent announcement of their debut EP, Great Lake, slated for release on September 18. The band is also set to embark on an ambitious 13-date North American tour throughout August, showcasing their dynamic sound to audiences across the Midwest, South, and East Coast.
Just Penelope comprises Ella Curiel on guitar and vocals, Ethan Cantrell contributing percussion, synth, and vocals, Theo Erz on guitar, and Drew Goforth on bass. Their sound has been characterized as an "explosive, catchy brand of shoegaze" that immediately captivates listeners, a quality powerfully demonstrated in their inaugural single. The band cites iconic acts such as Interpol and Deerhunter as significant influences, hinting at a sonic palette that blends atmospheric textures with sharp melodicism and thoughtful song structures.
The Emergence of Just Penelope and Their Sonic Philosophy
The signing of Just Penelope by Angel Tapes underscores the imprint’s consistent track record for identifying and nurturing promising talent within the independent music landscape. Prior successes with acts like Shower Curtain and Sleeper’s Bell have solidified Angel Tapes’ reputation as a reliable arbiter of burgeoning artistry, particularly within the realms of indie rock, dream pop, and shoegaze. Just Penelope’s addition to this roster signals a strong endorsement of their unique artistic vision and their potential to make a significant impact on the contemporary music scene.
A distinctive aspect of Just Penelope’s approach is their commitment to self-production. Their forthcoming EP, Great Lake, was entirely self-produced, reflecting a hands-on ethos that allows the band full creative control over their sound. Ella Curiel articulated this philosophy, stating, "It’s hugely important to us not just how good a part is, but how we can use a microphone to record it and get a cool sound out of the instrument. How can we blend everything in a beautiful way?" This statement provides crucial insight into the band’s meticulous attention to sonic detail and their dedication to crafting lush, immersive soundscapes – a hallmark of the shoegaze genre. Indeed, the swirling, ethereal sounds present in "After" serve as a testament to this commitment, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of production techniques that belies their status as a debut act.
"After" and the Visual Companion
The single "After" serves as the lead track and a powerful introduction to Just Penelope’s musical identity. Its "beautiful" and "swirling" sonic elements are expertly crafted, inviting listeners into a deeply atmospheric experience that is both introspective and expansive. The track exemplifies the band’s ability to fuse the ethereal qualities of shoegaze with an undeniable melodic hook, making it instantly enticing.
To further enhance the single’s impact, "After" is accompanied by an official music video. Helmed by directors Keegan Priest and Isaac Sanchez, the visual component complements the auditory journey, providing an additional layer of artistic expression. Music videos play an increasingly vital role in an artist’s debut, offering a visual identity that can solidify a band’s brand and deepen audience engagement. While specific details of the video’s narrative or aesthetic are not explicitly detailed, the choice of collaborative directors suggests a thoughtful approach to visual storytelling, typical of bands operating within the indie and alternative spheres who often prioritize artistic integrity across all mediums. The video’s release alongside the single ensures maximum exposure and provides a comprehensive artistic statement from Just Penelope.
The Enduring Allure of Shoegaze
Just Penelope’s sound emerges within a vibrant landscape marked by a significant resurgence of shoegaze. Originating in the late 1980s and early 1990s in the United Kingdom, shoegaze is characterized by its ethereal vocals, heavily distorted and reverb-laden guitars, and often obscured melodies, creating a dense wall of sound. Pioneers like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride defined the genre, crafting immersive sonic experiences that prioritized atmosphere and texture over traditional song structures.
After a period of relative dormancy in the mainstream, the past decade has witnessed a robust revival of shoegaze, with new bands reinterpreting its foundational elements for a contemporary audience. This resurgence is fueled by both nostalgic appreciation for the genre’s pioneers and a new generation of musicians drawn to its expansive sonic possibilities. Just Penelope’s ability to deliver an "explosive, catchy brand of shoegaze" positions them perfectly within this modern wave, demonstrating how the genre continues to evolve while retaining its core appeal. Their influences, Interpol and Deerhunter, while not strictly shoegaze, share an appreciation for intricate guitar work, atmospheric tension, and dynamic shifts, suggesting Just Penelope’s sound is rooted in a broader post-punk and indie rock lineage that informs their unique take on the genre.
The Debut EP: Great Lake – A Thematic Journey
The forthcoming EP, Great Lake, is poised to be a pivotal release for Just Penelope. Comprising four tracks, the EP offers a concentrated glimpse into the band’s creative depth and musical direction. The tracklist includes:
01 "Sister"
02 "Copenhagen"
03 "Great Lake"
04 "After"
The title track, "Great Lake," suggests a potential thematic anchor, possibly evoking imagery of vastness, introspection, and the natural world, themes often explored within the shoegaze aesthetic. Each track on a debut EP serves to establish the band’s versatility and thematic concerns. With "After" already setting a high bar for sonic quality and emotional resonance, anticipation for the remaining tracks is naturally high. A concise EP format allows an emerging band to present a cohesive artistic statement without the extensive commitment of a full-length album, serving as an ideal introduction to their sound for both new listeners and industry professionals. The pre-order link, found at found.ee/greatlake, provides an immediate pathway for interested fans to support the band ahead of the September 18 release date via Angel Tapes / Fire Talk.
Extensive North American Tour: Connecting with Audiences
To support the release of Great Lake and build a dedicated fanbase, Just Penelope has scheduled an extensive North American tour spanning the first two weeks of August. This 13-date run is a critical component of their launch strategy, allowing the band to directly connect with audiences and translate their recorded sound into a live experience. The tour itinerary demonstrates a thoughtful geographic spread, hitting key independent music markets across the Eastern and Southern United States:
- 08/01 – Bloomington, IN @ Taste of Bloomington
- 08/02 – Louisville, KY @ Woodbine Chamber
- 08/03 – Nashville, TN @ East Room
- 08/05 – Birmingham, AL @ Saturn
- 08/06 – Athens, GA @ Flicker
- 08/07 – Asheville, NC @ Static Age Records
- 08/08 – Chapel Hill, NC @ The Cave
- 08/09 – Richmond, VA @ Greenhouse Gallery
- 08/10 – Philadelphia, PA @ Ortlieb’s
- 08/11 – Brooklyn, NY @ Purgatory
- 08/12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Government Center
- 08/15 – Chicago, IL @ Gman Tavern
The tour kicks off in their hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, at the Taste of Bloomington festival, an event likely to draw a significant local crowd and provide a strong start for the band. Subsequent dates in cities like Nashville, Birmingham, and Athens highlight the band’s intention to tap into the vibrant Southern indie music scene, while stops in Asheville, Chapel Hill, and Richmond underscore their reach into the Mid-Atlantic. The tour culminates with a significant run through the Northeast, including Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Pittsburgh, before concluding in the major Midwest hub of Chicago. Playing a diverse range of venues, from festival stages to intimate clubs and galleries, provides varied opportunities for the band to hone their live performance and engage with different audience demographics. For an emerging band, touring is not merely about promotion but also about artistic development and solidifying their presence within the broader music community.
Implications for the Independent Music Scene
The signing of Just Penelope by Angel Tapes and the subsequent release strategy have several broader implications for the independent music ecosystem. For Fire Talk Records and its imprint Angel Tapes, this move reinforces their reputation as astute curators of fresh, innovative talent. In an increasingly saturated music market, labels that consistently deliver high-quality, distinctive artists play a crucial role in guiding listener discovery. By backing Just Penelope, Angel Tapes is not only investing in the band’s future but also signaling a continued commitment to the evolution of shoegaze and guitar-driven indie rock.
For Just Penelope, this partnership provides invaluable resources, including professional distribution, marketing, and promotional support, which are critical for an emerging act to gain traction. The platform offered by a reputable independent label can significantly amplify their reach beyond grassroots efforts, connecting them with a global audience of music enthusiasts and critics. This validation from a respected label can also open doors to wider opportunities, such as festival appearances, licensing deals, and collaborations.
Ultimately, Just Penelope’s debut represents a compelling addition to the current wave of artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary shoegaze. Their blend of explosive energy, catchy melodies, and a meticulous approach to sound design positions them as a band to watch in the coming months. As they prepare to release Great Lake and embark on their inaugural tour, Just Penelope is poised to carve out a distinct space for themselves within the dynamic landscape of independent music. The journey from Bloomington’s local scene to a national stage, facilitated by Angel Tapes, highlights the enduring power of compelling artistry and strategic partnerships in the modern music industry.
