James Hoare has long been a familiar face in the indie music scene, with his washed-out blue eyes and melancholic melodies appearing in some of the UK’s most celebrated underground acts. From the jangly harmonies of Veronica Falls to the lush, psych-pop sounds of Ultimate Painting and The Proper Ornaments, Hoare has built a reputation for crafting understated yet deeply emotive music. Now, with his new solo project Penny Arcade, Hoare steps out on his own to present his debut album, Backwater Collage, released on May 3rd, 2024, through Tapete Records.
Backwater Collage: A Journey to the West Country
Backwater Collage marks a new chapter for Hoare, who left behind the hustle of London for the rugged beauty of the West Country where he grew up. It’s from this landscape of windswept moors and secret coastal coves that Hoare draws inspiration for his latest work. The result is a collection of eleven intimate, lo-fi tracks that transport listeners to a place of quiet reflection, much like the isolated corners of the country he now calls home.
Recorded mostly alone, Backwater Collage echoes the tradition of home-recorded albums, but with a careful attention to detail that shines through in its sparse but beautiful production. Hoare’s gentle, melancholic voice is woven with warm harmonies, courtesy of Nathalia Bruno, while longtime friend Max Claps contributes subtle keyboard parts that underscore the album’s nostalgic tone. The music, at times, recalls the soft psychedelia of Syd Barrett and the minimalist spirit of the Velvet Underground, but without the heavy layers—this is a record that thrives on space and simplicity.
Despite the peaceful exterior, the making of Backwater Collage wasn’t without its challenges. From broken multitracks to tape machine malfunctions and elusive drummers, the process was anything but smooth. Yet, Hoare’s ability to turn missteps into magic is part of what makes this album so special. The imperfections only add to the album’s charm, making the music feel raw, real, and full of life. As BrooklynVegan aptly puts it, “Warm, melodic and gently psychedelic, and if you have liked any of Hoare’s other projects you’ll dig this.”
A Rich Musical Past: Veronica Falls and Ultimate Painting
To fully appreciate Penny Arcade’s Backwater Collage, it’s worth looking back at Hoare’s impressive musical journey. In Veronica Falls, he helped define a sound that mixed jangly guitars with haunting harmonies, creating a blend of indie pop that was both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Songs like "Found Love in a Graveyard" and "Come On Over" became instant classics in the indie world, giving the band a cult following.
Then came Ultimate Painting, where Hoare teamed up with Jack Cooper to create a more expansive, psych-pop sound. Their three albums are filled with delicate, swirling guitars and rich melodies that recall everything from The Byrds to Velvet Underground. Ultimate Painting’s understated style made them a favourite among those who appreciate the subtleties of great songwriting.
Through each project, Hoare has consistently shown a knack for creating music that feels both timeless and immediate, steeped in nostalgia but always moving forward.
Penny Arcade Live at 12 Bar – A Special Intimate Show
On the heels of Backwater Collage, Penny Arcade will be performing a special, intimate show at 12 Bar Music & Social on Thursday 17th October This is a unique opportunity to see James Hoare’s solo work up close and personal, where the nuances of his minimalist sound can truly shine. Fans of his previous projects can expect to hear the same delicate, stripped-back melodies that have become Hoare’s signature, now wrapped in the dreamy, lo-fi atmosphere of Penny Arcade.
Joined on stage by Max Claps on keyboards, this performance promises to capture the raw, nostalgic spirit of Backwater Collage, blending melancholic vocals with warm harmonies and sparse instrumentation. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Hoare’s music, this show is sure to be a highlight, offering a rare glimpse into the quiet world of Penny Arcade.
Tickets for the event are FREE but extremely limited, so be sure to grab yours early and experience this special night of dreamy indie pop and lo-fi psychedelia. Join us at 12 Bar and settle into the warm, melancholic beauty of Penny Arcade's Backwater Collage.
