ALBUMS

PENPALS(1997)

Penpals was formed in 1997, immediately securing a contract with VAP and releasing their first single, Tell Me Why, and their first album, a self titled, by the end of the year. For a first effort, it's a great record in my personal opinion, embracing a very pavement-esque sound while also implementing some well appreciated americana elements. I'm not really sure how to describe it other than that, but I feel like some songs hold a really strong resemblance to 60's american rock records.

Interestingly, despite Kinya and Moriya being in LOCO HOLIDAYS, I feel like there wasn't much of a Shoegaze influence on this one. I think every song here hits, I quite like all of them and really have a hard time skipping anything other than Astro Motel (which I do listen to from time to time) when I revisit this album. I'd rate it an 7/10. I really like it, but it's not groundbreaking, and it doesn't push the envelope enough to warrant a rating of 8 or 9 in my book. Favorite song: Gain. Least favorite song: Astro Motel. More to come.

AMERICAMAN(1998)

Americaman is their second album. This is what peak looks like, my friends.