LISTEN: Penfriend Shares Reflective Single, “Black Car”
LISTEN: Penfriend Shares Reflective Single, “Black Car”
The multi-talented artist shares another piece of her upcoming debut album.
Words by: Ysabela De Ocampo
Producer, songwriter and multi-disciplinary artist, Penfriend releases “Black Car.” Penfriend aka Laura Kidd, premieres this brilliant new track as she gears up for the release of her debut album, Exotic Monsters out May 21st via My Big Sister Recordings. Today “Black Car” is revealed to be another bite from the record — paired, of course with an equally as stunning music video.
“Black Car” starts with solemn and whistling keys that carry pensive guitar melodies and eerie percussive snaps. It’s clear this track is a reflective piece as Laura pens to share her feelings on the turbulent world we live in. The one-two punch of UK going through Brexit, and Covid-19 forcing everyone to disconnect from their normal lives is the main source of Laura’s inspiration. “’Black Car’ is a song about love and death, guilt and gratitude, taking time to figure out what’s most important, feeling desperately sad and isolated and grieving the loss of so many.” says Laura.
The track grows from dark, alternative-pop sensibilities of The Cardigans, to a gritty beat similar to Depeche Mode-meets-Nirvana. Occasionally, Laura throws in cuts of distorted guitars to emphasize feelings of frustration. The video highlights these themes as she is seen secluded in the remote outdoors.
“Black Car” follows the release of “Cancel Your Hopes,” Laura’s melancholic commentary of the world we live in today. She cites influences like Tanya Donelly, Juliana Hatfield, Nevermind-era Nirvana, Depeche Mode, and Tears For Fears among many for this record. Kidd wrote and recorded during quarantine, and the height of Brexit matters stirring up our lives. She pieces together truths we live out, and draws out the grueling emotional matters of the 21st century. Penfriend references referencing Ursula Le Guin, Barbara Kingsolver, Kurt Vonnegut, Margaret Atwood and Mark Westmoquette, making for a unique soundscape.
Laura Kidd is a music producer and songwriter based in Bristol, UK. Penfriend is a moniker for Kidd’s rebirth in music, as she used to perform under the name, She Makes War. Since then, Penfriend approaches music with honesty, confidence and wisdom. Kidd is also behind the Attention Engineer podcast, where she hosts conversations about living in this noisy online world. She offers introspection about balancing life on and offline. She connects with others in this sometimes-suffocating digital age. Some notable guests are Tanya Donelly (Belly), Frank Turner, Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem), Corin Tucker (Sleater Kinney), J Wilgoose Esq (Public Service Broadcasting) and Lemn Sissay MBE, Liz Stokes (The Beths) and many more.
“Black Car” gives us another peek at what Exotic Monsters is all about. The single introduces conversation and connections Penfriend hopes to have with others.
