The Blackheath, London-born Peñate came up in local clubs playing “crazy-ass” live shows, and his music has a definite spark. Even his slower, sadder numbers, though not as fine as his faster, almost ska-like ones, you can’t help but like. While the second disc of solo versions doesn’t add a whole lot, Matinée looks to debut well in the U.S.A.
Matinée opens particularly strong, with perhaps its best single and best non-single. “Spit At Stars” might be the only Peñate single not to chart in the U.K., but it’s probably his strongest, a catchy, up-tempo, single-worthy indie-jangle-pop. Then comes the disco-cool indie-pop guitar of “Got My Favorite”; hooky in a seventies way, this bright, fun piece totally works. Following that comes two more singles, both of the sadder variety, “Have I Been A Fool” and his ‘big hit’, “Torn On The Platform”. “Fool” is sweet, but a little simple, while there’s a wistful, knowing, cockney charm to “Platform” (though on-record can’t match it live, where Peñate usually invites audience-goers on stage to sing along).
In general, the speedy Peñate delivers better than the slower, sadder one. His cockney charm gets pressing on “Run For Your Life”, before going big and fun, while the speedy jangle of “Made Of Codes” is a catchy drive. And his first single, “Second, Minute or Hour”, is driving with ska-like guitars, summing up Peñate pretty damn well. Meanwhile, the slow and echoing “My Yvonne” gets a bit treacly, though still with some pretty power, and the more orchestral “When We Die” isn’t complex enough. The one major exception to this rule is “We Will Be Here”; this heartfelt, melancholy piece shows a whole different side of Peñate, real maturity from the bit-too-youthful artist.
For the U.S. release, a second disc of solo electric recordings has been included. By and large, these more intimate versions don’t add a great deal. You do see a different facet to “Second”, but “Spit” and “Favorite” don’t change much, and “We Will Be Here” is still a standout. However, the stripped-down version of “Learning Lines” exceeds both the album version and the demo hidden at the end of disc one, perfectly combining the laid-back nature of the album version and the pretty flow of the demo, with a cool, weary wisdom.
Jack Peñate got his start playing with school chum Felix White of The Maccabees (QRO photos), and there’s definitely a similarity in their youthful, cockney cool (sort of the young male equivalent of Lily Allen or Kate Nash – QRO album review). While more of a summer record than a January one, Matinée should cross the pond well.
MP3 Stream: "Spit At Stars"
