PENGILLY'S

Words by Toby Rogers

It’s not very often you find a song that shares your name (unless you’re my sister, who’s named after a Joni Mitchell track). But full marks to Yorkshire folktronica outfit Pengilly’s for calling this beautiful little number ‘Toby’s Hill.’ I haven’t got a hill by the way (I haven’t even got a garden) but the title alone meant I warmed to this one immediately. 

There’s a beautiful Beach Boys vibe to ‘Toby’s Hill.’ Quasi-religious a cappella pop of the kind that Brian Wilson was nailing on with ‘Surf’s Up,’ it’s sparse, ambient electro-folk that builds to a subtle Fender Rhodes-fuelled climax before abruptly coming to a halt. Like The Orb remixing Smile, this is compelling, soulful electro-folk of the highest order.

Formed in Leeds by a bunch of graduates, Pengilly’s are firm favourites of the city’s student music scene. Captivated by the sounds permeating local venues, they opted to stick around after university, making Brudenell Social Club their second home. Fronted by Ric Hollingbery (who appeared on Corinne Bailey-Rae’s Mercury-nominated debut 'The Sea' and at Glastonbury with Emmy The Great), there’s a real sense of professionalism about Pengilly’s that few bands can muster at this stage of their careers.

PENGILLY'S "TOBY'S HILL" MUSIC VIDEO from CROWNS&OWLS on Vimeo.

Today's tip comes courtesy of Chris from I Love Pop Noodle