Formed in the streetlamp-lit, foggy streets of Saint John, New Brunswick in 2006, Penny Blacks inhabit a lush, starlit landscape that is haunted by the ghosts of longing and regret. Started as a solo project by vocalist and songwriter Jason Ogden, the band slowly grew into a 7-piece animal all its own. Heralded as “One of the best live acts to come out of the region in years” by Canadian Musician, and “a force to be reckoned with” by Here magazine, Penny Blacks’ live show is an energetic, heartfelt mix of 50’s-tinged rockers, rootsy torch songs and true grit. From all-acoustic sessions in living rooms at house parties ,to cramped pubs, to large festival stages, their lush, almost cinematic sound fills every nook and Jason Ogden’s confessional, poetic words find every battered heart.
Penny Blacks has released a pair of successful, more low-fi EP’s, including the critically acclaimed ‘Gold Standards’ from earlier this year, which indie blog Quick Before It Melts described as “setting the standard for great Canadian EPs of 2011” and L.A.’s Punk Globe called “One of the most unpretentious and honest albums I have heard”.
October 2011 marks the release of the band’s long-awaited debut album, Harbour. Buzzing acoustic guitar, churning strings and ear-catching dynamic arrangements lift desperate tales of heartbreak and mistakes up above the darkness and into the moonlight – the serious moonlight. Harbour’s eleven songs that are the perfect soundt …
Formed in the streetlamp-lit, foggy streets of Saint John, New Brunswick in 2006, Penny Blacks inhabit a lush, starlit landscape that is haunted by the ghosts of longing and regret. Started as a solo project by vocalist and songwriter Jason Ogden, the band slowly grew into a 7-piece animal all its own. Heralded as “One of the best live acts to come out of the region in years” by Canadian Musician, and “a force to be reckoned with” by Here magazine, Penny Blacks’ live show is an energetic, heartfelt mix of 50’s-tinged rockers, rootsy torch songs and true grit. From all-acoustic sessions in living rooms at house parties ,to cramped pubs, to large festival stages, their lush, almost cinematic sound fills every nook and Jason Ogden’s confessional, poetic words find every battered heart.
Penny Blacks has released a pair of successful, more low-fi EP’s, including the critically acclaimed ‘Gold Standards’ from earlier this year, which indie blog Quick Before It Melts described as “setting the standard for great Canadian EPs of 2011” and L.A.’s Punk Globe called “One of the most unpretentious and honest albums I have heard”.
October 2011 marks the release of the band’s long-awaited debut album, Harbour. Buzzing acoustic guitar, churning strings and ear-catching dynamic arrangements lift desperate tales of heartbreak and mistakes up above the darkness and into the moonlight – the serious moonlight. Harbour’s eleven songs that are the perfect soundtrack for your autumn, whether it's one of walking isolated, leaf-strewn, dark streets alone in an ancient city, or one warmed by friends or a lover, a home - or something perfectly close enough to one.
Penny Blacks are currently setting off on a string of East Coast release shows for Harbour, with national dates to follow.
harbour will be available on iTunes, CDBABY, Amazon.com, Rhapsody, bandcamp and at Penny Blacks gigs on Oct 25, 2011.
Want a sample? Visit Penny Blacks at any of the following:
http://www.pennyblacks.ca
http://www.facebook.com/pennyblacks
http://pennyblacks.bandcamp.com
Be sure to follow Penny Blacks on twitter to keep up to date on where you can purchase "Gold Standards" online and in person!
http://www.twitter.com/bitterbruisers
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"Seeing Penny Blacks on stage was one of those rare musical groups where you watch them play, and not only do I think "this is good music" or "these people are talented" or "I'm enoying the show" or whatever... but I actually thought "I wish I was a part of that somehow". I really hope this group stays together for a long time and continues to make great music and even get bigger and better. "
- Dan Culberson, shoottheband.com
"Falling somewhere between The Dears and The Decemberists, Penny Blacks inhabit a huge musical landscape that is haunted by the ghosts of regret and longing. Somehow, through all that sorrow, they manage to inject the warmth of a favorite blanket or purring pet...... the top of my must-see list this year."
- Sid Sowder, Too Much Rock
