Penelope’s Thrill, the Madison, Wisconsin-based indie rock project helmed by Timothy Walsh, has returned with their sophomore album, “Message on the Moon.” Released on April 11th, this 17-track odyssey clocks in at a substantial 72 minutes, inviting listeners on a spellbinding journey through themes of metamorphosis, climate change, and the human experience.
Drawing inspiration from the phantasmagoric painting “August Night” by Madison artist Kelli Hoppmann, Walsh crafts a sonic landscape that is as richly layered and evocative as the artwork itself. The album’s overarching theme of metamorphosis is woven through each track, from the whimsical “Soap Bubbles on the Wind” to the anguished pop of “Leslie Are You Sleeping?”
Walsh’s guitar work is the backbone of “Message on the Moon,” with each song featuring intricately crafted parts that showcase his mastery of the instrument. Drawing from his extensive collection of vintage guitars, Walsh blends the unique tonal qualities of each instrument to create a lush, atmospheric soundscape that envelops the listener. The harmonically rich twelve-string sound of a 1966 Guild Starfire XII, the single coil clarity of a vintage Stratocaster or classic 60s Telecaster, and the throaty presence of a Gretsch hollowbody all contribute to the album’s distinct sonic palette.
The album’s title track, “Message on the Moon,” is a standout, with its infectious surf guitar riffs and enigmatic lyrics that hint at a deeper cosmic meaning. Walsh’s vocals are hauntingly beautiful as he sings, “There’s a message in the starry skies if you care to look / Let’s read the stars like letters in a book.” The song’s chorus is an earworm that will have listeners humming along long after the final notes have faded.
Other highlights include the ska-infused alt-rock of “Things Are Falling Down” and the indie pop gem “Ocean Avenue Sunrise.” The former tackles the weighty subject of climate change with an upbeat, propulsive beat that belies the song’s dire message. “I don’t say the things I know / I don’t say I won’t go—looks like things are falling down,” Walsh sings, his vocals urgent and insistent. “Ocean Avenue Sunrise,” on the other hand, is a shimmering, sun-drenched ode to the simple joys of a new day.
The album also features contributions from a host of talented musicians, both local and international. Madison-based artists like Ben Lokuta (drums) of The Cuz and Herd of Bison, Ben Jaeger (lead guitar) of Sunspot, and Wendy Lynn Markus (violin) of Sunspot lend their skills to various tracks, while overseas collaborators like Akmaral Zykayeva (violin and backing vocals) from Kazakhstan and Amanda Sanderson (vocals and backing vocals) from Newcastle, England, add a global flavor to the proceedings.
Lyrically, “Message on the Moon” is a testament to Walsh’s growth as a songwriter. He tackles weighty themes like climate change and the passage of time with a deft touch, never sacrificing the album’s overall sense of whimsy and wonder. On “Lighthouse in Winter,” Walsh paints a vivid picture of a couple walking along the ocean shore, their love a beacon in the fading light. “I’d travel to the moon with you and whisk you back again / Fly up to the mountaintops where nothing’s sad / And nothing ever ends,” he sings, his vocals aching with longing.
The album’s production, handled entirely by Walsh in his home studio, is a marvel. Each track is a miniature sonic universe, with layers of guitars, vocals, and other instruments blending seamlessly to create a cohesive whole. The attention to detail is evident in every note, from the shimmering reverb of “Abigail’s Waltz” to the lo-fi shoegaze textures of “Leslie Are You Sleeping?”
Ultimately, “Message on the Moon” is a triumph of indie rock craftsmanship. Walsh and his collaborators have created an album that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, a testament to the power of music to transform and transcend. The album’s themes of metamorphosis and change are reflected in its ever-shifting sonic landscape, with each track offering a new glimpse into the boundless creativity of its creators.
In a world that often feels increasingly fragmented and uncertain, “Message on the Moon” is a beacon of hope and wonder. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty and magic to be found, if only we take the time to look for it. And with Penelope’s Thrill as our guide, that journey has never been more rewarding.
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