Pennan Brae’s Studio is an album consisting of seven songs and is based on the rock and roll styles of the 1970s and 80s, having a deliberate progression from the first track to the last. The opening song, “Scratch”, has a quirky kind of alternative rock influenced by David Bowie, blending odd guitar work with clear and distinctive rhythms. It sets out the album’s character without trying to establish a single definite sound; rather, it opens the way for a collection that passes through a number of well-known rock influences while still keeping a clear link between the tracks.
“Deja Vu” then introduces another classic-rock figure, combining the 1960s Hammond Organ with a sharp guitar riff and incorporating the influence of The Rolling Stones. “Hig & Jig” carries on with this link, providing the middle section of the album with a clear 1970s rock reference. One of the key features of the record is the Hammond, which was recorded using a vintage Leslie Cabinet Speaker, alongside the distinctive contribution of the Fender Mustang guitar. Steve Ferrone plays drums on six of the seven songs.
The songs have a steady musical background which at the same time enables the individual features to be heard. Alison Jenkins supplies the harmonies, Kaj Falch-Nielsen plays the bass and Cameron Wilson includes violin on several tracks. These elements support Brae’s guitar, organ and vocals, thus producing arrangements that stay true to the album’s classic rock orientation. The way the Hammond organ was recorded using the Leslie speaker also gives the production a distinct organic quality, this being a result of the hands-on method employed during the recording sessions at Blue Light Studio in Vancouver.
The album’s last track, ‘It Ain’t Perfect But It’s Free’ (Dance Mix), moves it in the direction of 80s pop with a dance-oriented arrangement. It was first issued as a funk rock version on Paint and acquires a new character here, offering a clear contrast with the opening song ‘Scratch’. Together, these two tracks act as distinct bookends, while the songs in between form a continuous progression through the rock influences that Brae has selected. Studio thus becomes a well-focused seven-song collection linking classic rock, alternative rock and 80s pop.
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