Penthouse - UNT - LP (2002)

Labels: Vanity
Review by: Luke Younger

I’ve got a soft spot for Penthouse, it has to be said. London indie scene stalwarts, who were taken in by the media machine and Beggers Banquet records, and spat out. They survived and toured Europe, the UK countless times and put out the third l.p of their 8 years of existance. This, like all the previous Penthouse records, is a good solid record of sleazy garage rock. Charlie the singer has toned down the David Yow-isms of his vocals, but is no less furious sounding. The production is excellent, and everything sounds how it should. Basically, if you like the sound of early Jon Spencer Blues Explosion crossed with the Jesus Lizard, then check this out. With my band, I had three ambitions before we split: 1. Release a record, 2. Play downstairs at the garage, and 3. Play with Penthouse. The last two, we acheived on one night. So yeah, while this didn’t blow me away, I enjoyed listening to it, which is pretty much what I expected. They’re still one of the most entertaining live bands in the UK.