Gem Stark’s ‘Penguin Random House’ is an endearing look at creative frustration
The English singer-songwriter’s folk debut is immensely charming.
Photo: Gem Stark
English folk singer-songwriter Gem Stark has just released her debut single, Penguin Random House, a playful acoustic tune exploring creative frustration.
The piece starts with soothingly plucked guitar strings you’d expect to hear in your local coffee house before Gem’s Joan Baez-esque vocals catch you off guard. Her voice is distinct and effortlessly dances across the scale. Her vocal agility is impressive, as is how swiftly she floats into a higher register.
The song takes a delightful but unexpected turn in the second half as a harmonica and banjo make their presence known. These more traditional folk elements give the track a timeless quality and make you feel like you’re travelling back to the heyday of Laurel Canyon.
The lyrics see her yearning for creative fulfilment. “I gotta write this down for the benefit of penguin random house,” she muses in the chorus, echoing the sentiments of every budding writer contemplating turning their notes app observations into a novella. She’s playful, witty and endearing. It gives the song a quirk that feels uniquely her own.
Penguin Random House is a track that feels rather timeless in its arrangement yet strikingly modern in its lyricism. This contrast is endearing and creates a fascinating interplay that makes you instantly want to hit replay once it’s over.
The debut EP, A Dog Called Indifference, is out October 23rd via Tin Pan Alley.