Brighton-based indie up and comers Penelope Isles released their long-awaited debut album Until The Tide Creeps In through Bella Union this month.

The four-piece are made up of brother and sister duo Jack and Lily Wolter, with Becky Redford playing bass and Jack Sowton on drums. 

Rather gloriously – and in keeping with the family vibe – the album cover is an image of Jack and Lily’s dad building a sandcastle on a beach. 

Built around the Wolter siblings’ singing and song writing that has been honed over many years playing together back on their native Isle of Man, Until The Tide Creeps In is a beautifully sweet record with a hazy summertime feel that’s infused with lyrics cut through with stories of growing up, changing yourself, and letting go. 

Produced by Jack himself, lead single Chlorine opens the album and is perhaps the sonic highpoint, with a scuzzy guitar opening that soon evolves into a toe-tapping flurry. It’s a track the band have repeatedly used to open their live shows and you can hear why.

Round is a beautiful and sultry slow burner, while Underwater Record Store continues that vibe, a tipsy cartwheel of a song that should be listened to from a deck chair with a mojito firmly in hand.

At the midway point comes Gnarbone, a seven-minute rollercoaster of a track, all harmonised vocals, soaring choruses, and a carousel of juggernaut-esque guitar riffs to propel it all along. It’s an absolute monster.

After travelling to the USA and playing this year’s SXSW festival and with the weight of Bella Union behind them, Penelope Isles are certainly on the rise. Until The Tide Creeps In is a record that deserves to see them continue that upward trend.

True, the second half of the album is more sedate than the opening five or so tracks, but that’s no criticism. Overall it’s a hugely promising debut that shows the Wolters have a knack for dreamy indie pop numbers that could take them a long way.

Track listing for Until The Tide Creeps In

1. Chlorine
2. Round
3. Not Talking
4. Underwater Record Store
5. Three
6. Gnarbone
7. Leipzig
8. Looking For Me / Eyes Closed
9. Cut Your Hair
10. Through The Garden

Watch the video for Chlorine

Buy Until The Tide Creeps In

 Indie