ALBUM REVIEW: Pen Name – Still Here, Somehow

‘…’Still Here, Somehow’ not only makes for a classic emo listen, but an incredibly poignant and compelling rumination on learning to live with loss…’

Canterbury’s Pen Name are a band of few pretences; unearthing information on them beyond their names and music proved nigh on impossible, and frankly, a little refreshing. The four-piece formed back in 2016, and would go on to release an eponymous debut in 2019. Then, nothing. It appeared that perhaps this was simply another rising band gobbled up by a wholly unremarkable and uneventful 2020.

August last year, however, saw signs of life stirring. The outfit returned with a brand new single, ‘Sunflower’, and promises of an album coming soon. Now, that promise has been fulfilled, with the release of their sophomore record, ‘Still Here, Somehow’; even devoid of any deeper lyrical meaning, it is clear that perhaps even Pen Name did not anticipate still being around in the year of 2026. The resulting listen, however, instills you with quite the hope that they may remain around for some time yet.

On lead single ‘Sunflower’ bold, fuzzy bass lines undercut a sky of twinkling, atmospheric guitars, mourning the prospect of life’s change in the absence of a loved one; how, in grief, the character of a person becomes frozen at a point in time. The track builds towards a rousing climax that repeats the opening verse, but now with powerful vocals set against a backdrop of soaring riffs.

The unconventional percussive performance delivered on ‘Joy Bringer’ is a genuinely creative delight to behold; the rhythms work to bring a hypnotic sharpness to the ethereal layers of guitar and vocals draped over the top. ‘Selfless’ commences as a subdued, guitar-led number, before it gradually transforms into a gently driving indie rock cut. The drums carve out a steady beat that snags at the very fibre of your being. It makes for a wonderful display of musical light and shade, contemplating the cost of kindness in a cruel and trying world.

As with any emo record, the band’s sound is enhanced by their choice of utilising brass instruments. This is the case with ‘In Kyoto’, as soft murmurs of French horn in the track’s climax make for a wonderfully shiver-inducing touch; the depth of emotion added is rich, wistful, and delicately melancholic. ‘(Not) Healing’ features yet another stunning percussive performance, rattling beneath restrained melodies that simmer with anguish. With a rush of emotion the track erupts with a righteous fury, reckoning with the scars that abuse leaves you with. Whilst much of this record exists as a muted and vulnerable contemplation, the moments of blinding aggression that cut through the clouds make for incredible, cathartic apexes; it is a delightful and gut-wrenching balance of emotions that works to ensure every sonic brush stroke feels decisive and intentional.

‘Don’t Go’ serves a closing track that cuts to the very soul, grappling with the trauma of unexpectedly losing someone incredibly loved by many to suicide, and the aftershocks that reverberate throughout your life from then on. It is raw and simplistic in its presentation, and that is perhaps what makes it such an effective conclusion to the record; the repeated, desperate cries of ‘don’t go‘ as the record fades to black is ferocious in its innocence and simplicity, divorced from deeper explorations of grief.

‘Still Here, Somehow’ not only makes for a classic emo listen, but an incredibly poignant and compelling rumination on learning to live with loss. Pen Name understand their craft and skill set, and sculpt often beautiful soundscapes that are rich in depth and rapturous in their sheer vulnerability. Let us hope that they choose to remain with us just a little longer.

RATING: 79/100

For Fans Of: A Place For Owls, American Football, Have Mercy, Pale Sailor, Arm’s Length

Physical copies of the record are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Bandcamp