PENNY DREADFUL
Sanctuary (Libro GSC Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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I write about music, so I get free CDs in the mail. Good deal, huh? Well, sometimes.

Way too often the free CD is something that someone has poured their heart and soul into and spent all their spare cash on, but it's full of music that just doesn't justify the investment. You want to be encouraging, but the only alternative to cruelty is usually silence.

That makes the exceptions happy occasions, and Sanctuary, the debut EP from Chicago power trio Penny Dreadful, is a happy exception indeed. They've got the formula - a rock solid rhythm section providing a base for hot guitar leads and soaring vocals - down pat, but there's nothing formulaic about the effect, because they've got talent to spare and songs worthy of their talents. That's a mighty rare combination, and when it happens you don't want to miss it. You don't want to miss Sanctuary.

Track List:

Merry Andrew * Sanctuary * Islets * Given On * From Their Satellites

[Pick this up at CDBaby.]

© 2003 - Shaun Dale