When asked if I could review Small Crush’s upcoming album, I immediately said yes. This is because I knew they are gearing up to support the Jeff Rosenstock tour this winter – and any friend of Jeff, is a friend of mine. And I’m happy to report, I don’t regret my decision.
Small Crush’s upcoming sophomore release, Penelope, instantly bops heads with its fluttering drums and shimmery guitar. Twinkly tones line each track, crafting a sound reminiscent of twee influences and shoegaze ambiance. I’ll admit that I don’t spend much time in this genre these days but it instantly strung up some familiar sounds. Think Mazzy Star’s dreamy allure, The Moldy Peaches’ whimsy, and Belle & Sebastian’s charm seamlessly woven together and sped up just a bit to get you bouncing.
What I love about Penelope is how consistent it feels while containing intricate layers that are sometimes hard to catch. Take the second track, “5,” for instance. A wistful longing for the innocence of youth, “5” takes you on a nostalgic journey. It’s a tightly strummed song that doesn’t take a breath until exactly the 1:10 mark, where we are met with a slow and full bridge that’s almost a waltz-esque breakdown. Before we know it, the tempo speeds back up and we exit the entire experience just shy of 1:45.
Penelope goes on to reveal more layers, this time with moments of serenity, in tracks ”Falling,” “Running,” and “Sweetest.” In these very vulnerable songs of love and loss, lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist Logan Hammon flexes her vocal strengths, offering a beautiful contrast to the overall bounciness of the rest of the album. Small Crush’s versatility as an artist shines, effortlessly transitioning from the energetic to the introspective.
I would be remiss not to mention my personal favorite, “This Time Around.” To me, this song is the most out of place on Penelope, but not in a bad way. “This Time Around” introduces more grungy guitar riffs while retaining the album’s catchy melodies. It feels like a very deliberate decision to muddy up the style a bit, and it works brilliantly. This track showcases a grittier side of Small Crush that adds depth to Penelope – and I really enjoyed this moment during my listens.
I’ll leave you with this: Penelope is simply delightful. It’s catchy, raw, and just a fun listen. Whether you’re bopping along to the infectious tunes or getting lost in the dreamy shoegaze interludes, Penelope invites you to immerse yourself in its magic. Small Crush’s unique style keeps you hooked through it all, making it a must-listen for fans of indie-pop with a touch of garage rock grit.
Penelope is out everywhere on September 15th. Listen to the latest singles here:
The Indy Review 
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