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Tom Penaguin — Tom Penaguin II
(Bandcamp aMarxe no#, 2026, CD / DL)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2026-09-09

Tom Penaguin II Cover art

Following a solid first release, and a revelatory album of early recordings titled Beginnings, we are now presented with Tom Penaguin’s exceptional second album proper, simply titled Tom Penaguin II. With the exception of some vocals on one track, this new album is one-hundred percent Penaguin: he played all of the instruments — all guitars, electric bass, electric pianos, Hammond organ, and synthesizers as well as the drum kit. Those who know his earlier albums and appreciated his longer form compositions will be happy to know that much of what’s here falls into the epic-length category: a thirteen-plus minute opener and a four-part closer that stops just shy of 30 minutes, with only one shorter track between them. “Didier Dandelion in the Year of the Great Winds” opens the set; the electric piano structure that opens the piece is accompanied by an amazing electric guitar solo befo re settling into a Canterbury-like groove, but then around two-and-a-half minutes in we hear a brief interlude that sounds a lot like Happy the Man; is Penaguin channeling the late Frank Wyatt? But then after a few measures of that he’s back sounding a bit like Soft Machine again, truly an outstanding set of compositional ideas and arrangements strung together, and this level of excitement carries on for the remainder of the piece. The changes never stop, from brisk passages and melodic interludes to graceful jazzy executions, it’s all here in abundance. Next up is “Mandatory Intermission,” a three-and-a-half minute jazzy number that may to some sound like a National Health out-take, again with electric piano taking center stage, constantly evolving in a way that seems to avoid any repetition. Then comes the big one, “The Ornamental Hermit Suite,” presented in four discrete movements, though each could stand alone and still be worthy of acclaim. The first movement slows down near the end and features some wordless multi-tracked female vocals delivering a majestic exit. The bouncy opening of the second movement is soon joined by a Ratledge-like organ solo before slowing down into more elaborate structures and a fiery guitar solo. The third movement opens in an introspective mode with organ leading the way, eventually picking up steam as it leads into a faster, jazzier passage that carries on to the end. The fourth movement is the biggie, at nearly twelve minutes. It eases in with some long organ chords but the pace picks up quickly and soon we are back on that wild ride similar to where the whole set started, always restless, rarely repeating, changing and alternating ideas every few measures — an incredibly powerful closing epic to the  suite and the album as a whole. If one hasn’t hear Tom Penaguin yet, this is where you need to start.

Filed under: New releases, 2026 releases

Related artist(s): Tom Penaguin

More info
http://amarxe.bandcamp.com/album/tom-penaguin-ii

 

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