The Penny Black Remedy

The Penny Black Remedy

The Penny Black Remedy is a UK group that plays a mix of country, punk, rock and ska, with a sound that also draws on blues, reggae and Balkan influences. The band forms around lead singer and guitarist Keith M Thomson, whose songs combine dark humour with themes such as unemployment, brothels, love, death and film stars.

Formation and members

The band’s line-up brings together musicians from different countries. Thomson moves to London before putting the group together with Croatian vocalist and percussionist Marijana Hajdarhodzic, Dutch drummer Wilco van Eijk and London bassist Steve Nelson. The group describes its music as Balkan-style country ska, shaped by the different backgrounds and influences of its four members.

Recordings and label

The Penny Black Remedy issues its debut single, 95 Charing Cross Road, before releasing its first full-length album, No One’s Fault But Your Own, on its own label, Soundinistas. The album is recorded and produced in Zagreb, Croatia, by Robert Nappholz, who writes and performs for the Croatian band Fali V. The record presents the band’s blend of ska, blues, reggae, country and rock, and is centred on Thomson’s songwriting.

Live activity and recognition

The band develops a reputation for energetic live performances and plays in London, Holland and Croatia. It wins the Gibson Guitar Best Alternative Act award at the 2008 UK Indy Awards, performs a sold-out three-night residency at the 12 Bar Club in London, and shares bills with The Buzzcocks, Starsailor, Joanna Newsom and Alabama 3. It also appears at festivals including Stokefest in London and the Valkoff Festival in Nijmegen, Holland.