Penny Rich
On And On (EP)
Self-Released
When it comes to rowdy rock music, it seems that three really is the magic number. Paradoxically, there’s something about reduced numbers that creates a sound far bigger than it should; think Anvil, Budgie, Motörhead, and now you can add Cardiff’s Penny Rich to that illustrious list. Raw, visceral and angular, their sound isn’t for the faint-hearted but those who find catharsis in the primal scream of Metz and Big Black will find a spiritual home here. Introduced by tribal drums and a menacing bass rumble, ‘Fundamentals’ immediately entwines the listener inside a tightly wound ball of sound. It’s claustrophobic, challenging and takes us outside our comfort zone; it’s the complete antithesis to easy listening but that’s precisely what good music should be. Lyrically too, Penny Rich veer towards the heavy with songs about populism (the title-track) and body dysmorphia (‘Broken Mirror’) adding to the oppressive feel. Since their formation in 2018, Penny Rich have built a solid reputation in Wales and the South-West through their incendiary live show, but with On And On in their arsenal it’s only a matter of time until the rest of the UK cottons on (and on).
Review by Peter Dennis