GOOD SOUNDS:
33. PEBALUNA
Hailing from Long Beach, California, USA is the elegantly soulful folk band Pebaluna. Fronted by Lauren Coleman & Matthew Embree, Pebaluna is minimalist art at it’s finest. Pebaluna’s sound is timeless. The band’s acoustic-heavy vibes, amidst the sweet sounds of ukelele & guitar is a perfect combination of harmony & beauty. This is especially true when listening to the vocal work (like buttah) from Coleman & Embree. Lauren Coleman is the primary voice in the band, with a gentleness that shines through her sweet croon (complimented with perfection by Embree) soaring over a super-groovin’ rhythm section with Jonathan Grillo on Bass & Jessica Lankford on Percussion.
Pebaluna’s sound is entirely romantic & sweet & fun. “Penguin Island” is probably my favorite song by the band (hahaha) - always makes me smile (inside & out), while there are other aspects of Pebaluna that do tell stories of heartbreak and loneliness. Of course, Pebaluna also shows off more dance-friendly tunes, such as “Please Me” from the album “Carny Life” (SUCH a rad tune).
With an obvious influence of jazz, blues, country, and soul music (especially with some familiar covers of some classic songs) - Pebaluna has a mighty heart. I think more people should enjoy the sounds of Pebaluna - Lauren & Matt had successfully created a sound that pays homage to straight-forward song-writing and story-telling through music while also bringing a refreshing new sound vibrant enough for both older & younger listeners to appreciate.
Pebaluna has an enormous heart & soul. A work of art tailor-made for the more romantic types in the world. I highly recommend checkin’ ‘em out.
Happy Listening!
