Interesting instrumentation

Returning on Foot
Penelope Swayles
Girl Zone Records
Reviewed by Jen Crothers The latest release by Melbourne artist Penelope Swayles is a rollicking double album of folk tunes. It spans themes of love and friendship, racism and environmental destruction. The opening song is a spirited and memorable tune called "Sweet Moderation" about the need to make a fresh start. "Our Apartheid" compares South Africa with Australia: "When Daniel Yock was sitting in his prison cell/your victory was already guaranteed/in your land apartheid's over and in my land it's still here/Well I never said it was official government policy". Swayles voice is distinctive and attractive and suits her medium well. The instrumentation is also interesting and varied with a mixture of guitar, djembe, didgeridoo, trumpet, electronic fiddle, mandolin, violin, and piano accordion. The front cover pictures Penelope "returning on foot" and this image encapsulates the musical theme well. The style of music evokes images of hitch-hiking along dusty, dirt roads, stopping in small country towns for bush dances in the local hall. This is a good album and deserves to be supported.

From GLW issue 213