Chester indie-pop band Peaness release their debut album World Full of Worry via their own label Totally Snick Records on 6 May. The trio of Jessica Branney (bass and vocals), Rachel Williams (drums) and Carleia Balbenta (guitar and vocals) produce music full of glorious harmonies, twangy indie guitars and deceptively relevant lyrics full of meaning and emotion.
Opening track ‘Take a Trip’ is a gorgeous summery start full of beach sounds with the sea tide ebbing and flowing. Its a gentle introduction, but then we head straight into ‘Kaizen’ which moves the tempo up and provides us with a more accurate reflection of what to expect from this album. ‘How I’m Feeling’ was the second single to be taken from World Full of Worry. The emotive vibe with a wonderful chorus just lifts the soul. It’s an empowering track as it has Peaness opening up and sharing with us about their own insecurities, which are of course relevant to us all.
Commenting on the track, Peaness said:
“In an unfulfilling job? Need a shake up with something in your life or you’ll go mad? Well, that’s ‘How I’m Feeling’ and it can’t be ignored anymore! Amongst self loathing and melancholy there are sparks of determination and a belief that you deserve more. I hope it works out.”
‘irl‘ is the current single and here the vocals shine. Crystal clear and harmonies which soar. The guitars perfectly accompany the vocals and the song increases its emotional pull as it progresses – simply joyous.
‘Worry‘ has a slightly different atmosphere and shows the versatility of Peaness. A spark of static to begin, the lyrics talk about a relationship, and are so deft:
“I can’t help feeling so sorry,
For myself”
‘What’s the Use’ is one of the most upbeat tracks on the album. It tells of the frustration of trying to fit in and the difficulties of negotiating peer pressure. The drums and rhythm on ‘What’s the Use’ and the fabulous little extra mini drum roll at the end evoke a cheeky two fingers to the pressures of conformity!
Closing track ‘Sad Song‘ calms down the pace as the album finishes. Again we have the sounds of the shoreline and this track almost feels like a break in the journey for the band, a pause before we move on to the next stage in their lives which will be reflected in the next album.
World Full of Worry is an album packed full of self-flection, relationships and mid-twenties frustrations however it is not melancholy, quite the opposite. Peaness’s hook-saturated, harmony-driven indie-pop songs are full of lightness and joy on the majority of their songs. They are out on the road in support of the album and their fun, friendship-fuelled live performances warm the heart. In a music scene dominated by post-punk, Peaness are a breath of fresh air.
PEANESS 2022 Live Dates:
11/05/22 – Liverpool – Jimmy’s
17/05/22 – London – Rough Trade East
18/05/22 – Bristol – Rough Trade Bristol
20/05/22 – Glasgow – Glad Cafe
21/05/22 – Edinburgh – The Great Eastern Fest
24/05/22 – Birmingham – The Hare and Hounds
25/05/22 – Norwich – Voodoo Daddy’s
26/05/22 – Oxford – Bullingdon
27/05/22 – Southampton – Heartbreakers
03/06/22 – Hay-On-Wye – How The Light Gets In Fest
04/06/22 – Cardiff – Clwb Ifor Bach
27/10/22 – London – The Dome
28/10/22 – Manchester – Gorilla
For more information on Peaness please check out their facebook and website.
