Just Penelope – June, July
Today, Fire Talk Records’ emerging artists imprint Angel Tapes (Retail Drugs, shower curtain, Jawdropped) is thrilled to announce its latest signing: the newly-formed Bloomington, Indiana-based indie grunge trio Just Penelope. Just Penelope is comprised of college students Ella Curiel (vocals/guitar), Ethan Cantrell (drums/vocals), and Drew Goforth (bass). The trio first connected at Indiana University’s cherished Jacobs School of Music, and quickly cut their teeth in the bubbling midwest scene. Well-studied in rock that moves the spirit and the body, Just Penelope have built a reputation in their finely-honed blend of indie, alternative country, and melodic shoegaze. Alongside the news of their signing, Just Penelope unveil their debut single, “June, July,” and their first-ever music video.
“June, July” presents Just Penelope’s vein of searing indie rock, filtered through warmly crystalline production. Inspired by a skateboarding injury procured after a parental spat, “June, July” arrives with the achy wooziness of a student trio facing another school-year and the sharp bite of a band to bet on. “June, July // My shoes untied,” Curiel deadpans atop relentless percussion and steely shreds, “I scraped my knee while you’re saving face.” The accompanying video — directed and edited by Keegan Priest — collages footage of Just Penelope performing in Bloomington alongside homespun footage from the trio’s waning dog days of summer.
“When recording this song with the help of our friend Nathan Michael Moss, we committed to recording with very few microphones and lower-fidelity techniques,” Cantrell says of the track. “These choices reflect the meaning of this song, which involves making mistakes and not asking for forgiveness. Sometimes, chaos has a certain swagger to it that makes you forget the consequences of your erratic actions.”
Angel Tapes is the Chicago-based emerging artists imprint of Fire Talk Records. With an emphasis on new talent, Angel Tapes offers a platform for developing artists to release music in good faith. Be on the lookout for more from Just Penelope this year.
Just Penelope Live
Sun. September 21 – Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop *
* w/ She’s Green
#justpenelopeband