TOM PENAGUIN

Tom Penaguin is the latest musician to grace us with a Canterbury album, and I must admit I don't usually hesitate on anything labelled as Canterbury whether I know the band or not. And it's my love for this type of music that will keep me coming back for more. It doesn't always work out like AMOEBA SPLIT for example but I have so many modern Canterbury favourites, I'm a blessed man. And yes this is another one. And speaking about love for Canterbury, that is what comes through in Tom's words in the liner notes, how at 17 years of age he wanted to make this album because he too loves Canterbury. So this is legit folks, this is no paint by numbers release in any way.

Tom is from France and started playing guitar at six and then playing other instruments followed until by 15 he was playing guitar,organ, piano and drums at a professional level. He's the guitarist in a Metal band and keyboardist in a Stoner psychedelic group honing his skills. He released an album of drums and synths only in 2020, but he says that this is his true debut released in 2024. While at 17 he wanted to make this record he didn't have the equipment, instruments or knowledge to do it then.

So he's been busy even thanking his parents for allowing him to educate himself in his love of music. So in 2020 he starts building an analog studio in his home and of course picking up instruments along the way. The list of things he plays is woefully lacking on the site here, he has a list of things he plays that is as long as my arm. The songs are complex in structure and certainly EGG and NATIONAL HEALTH seem to honoured by him the most on this his debut. He mentions Stavinksy as well and Zappa as influences but this is 100% Canterbury and it's a beautiful thing. He thanks Ryan(ZOPP) saying without his help this record would not have been possible. He helped Tom secure a record deal with the Spanish label aMarxe and by the way aMarxe the cardboard on my cd case is separating from the plastic. Just sayin'. It's rippled.

So while this is composed, played, mixed and produced by Tom the opener "The Stove Viewpoint Introduction" features some guests adding sounds to this opening under 3 minute collage. Some laughter from Marie, slowed down glassware as it says, and echoed flute along with Inkus the dog helping out. An experimental start that blends into the mammoth "Housefly leg" not that the leg was mammoth but the song is 14 1/2 minutes long. This track has so much to offer from those gorgeous Canterbury sounds, you know those distorted keyboards, and this goes from gorgeous to intense to those "wow" moments. I was thinking of Phil Lee with the guitar. Some distorted bass too. Love the electric piano and the way he changes this song up as it flows out to us so beautifully.

"Aborted Long Piece No2" of course screams EGG how amazing does the opening organ sound. Just another flavour to enjoy. It will come and go and when it turns intense with that rhythm section I couldn't help but think of Dashiell Hedayat. "Arrival Of The Great Hedgehog" is so english isn't it? A mellow start and it doesn't start to move until after 2 1/2 minutes with distorted sounds in tow. Quite the guitar solo too from around 6 1/2 minutes to after 9 minutes. "The Stove Packed Off And Left" ends it opening with a repeated organ line as piano joins in then drums and bass. Punchy sounds then it's all Canterbury the rest of the way.

I can't imagine how proud Tom must be to have finally realized his dream, and I'm proud of him too and so happy to have this music in my hands. And yes Tom, this will help decorate some of the most important moments of my life, as you hoped it will.