Penguin Cafe's "Welcome to London": A Cinematic and Grooving Journey

Penguin Cafe, the renowned musical collective, invites listeners on a captivating journey with their latest single and video, “Welcome to London,” featured in their upcoming album Rain Before Seven…, released via Erased Tapes.

The track welcomes listeners with a delightful groove in 5/4, setting the stage for a flowing and minimalist vibe. The gentle violins gracefully complement the percussive backing, creating a well-structured composition that evolves throughout the piece, offering a lovely and engaging arrangement.

The title “Welcome to London” carries a sense of optimism as the world began to open up, and travel restrictions were lifted. Inspired by the cinematic qualities reminiscent of John Barry’s work, Arthur Jeffes, the mastermind behind Penguin Cafe, crafted this piece after landing back in London from his travels. The opulent twilight and the mise-en-scène of the city left a lasting impression, captured in the composition with perhaps a touch of caustic irony.

Arthur Jeffes shares his creative process, stating that the piano riff forms the foundation, featuring a captivating 5/4 pattern with developing modulations. The other elements in the track work in harmony, picking out points from the piano line and expanding upon them. The arrangements embrace a 60s feel, with the Gretsch guitar providing a low-mid groove while the bassline syncopates underneath, reminiscent of John Barry’s iconic sound.

Accompanying the single is a visually stunning music video directed by Mihai Feflea of the London-based production company Full House Films. The video complements the track’s essence, further enhancing the immersive experience for the audience.

Penguin Cafe’s journey began in 2009 when Arthur Jeffes brought together a talented group of musicians to honor his late father, Simon Jeffes, and continue the legacy of the world-renowned PCO music. With Arthur’s exceptional composing skills, the collective ventured into creating genre-defying music that encapsulated the spirit of the Penguin Cafe.

Over the years, they released four albums of original music, each a testament to their innovative artistry. Their latest album, “Handfuls of Night,” released in 2019 on Erased Tapes, further solidified their reputation as a captivating and dynamic musical force.