The Penny Black was the world’s first stamp (used to collect stamps as a kid, though never had one), and is also the name of a pub in my adopted hometown of Edinburgh (have never been, hear good things about it). The Penny Blacks are an unsigned band from Edinburgh.

I have to be honest, I’ve never heard them live, but the four songs on their MySpace page just have to be heard. These four tracks deserve to be heard by as many people as possible. They often play in Scotland (I’ll just have to try harder), and if they aren’t signed soon, then it’s a bloody travesty. I hear echoes of so many classic bands in their sound, and thier sound is fresh and young, whilst acknowledging their influences. If you got a thrill the first time you heard the Arctic Monkeys, the Libertines and their ilk, then the Penny Blacks should be added to that list a.s.a.p.

The Penny Blacks -‘Bang To Rites.’ mp3

The Penny Blacks -‘Sunday Afternoon.’ mp3

The Penny Blacks-‘Something Between them.’ mp3

The Penny Blacks-Bonnington.’ mp3

Check these songs out -then go over to their MySpace page and make friends with them.