WaterPenny – Buttons For People
WaterPenny defy classification… But if we had to quantify, we’d peg them as Western-tinged, blues-influenced rock n roll. Lane (lead guitar & vocals), Wes (guitar & vocals), Cihan (bass), and Sean (drums) are the quartet of musicians that comprise this enigmatic and unique act from Washington, whose latest album, the nine-song Buttons For People bridges the gap between classic rock fervor; sweaty, emotional blues; and modern day indie rock
The album kicks off with “Not Yours or Mine” that highlights exactly what this group succeeds at. Swampy slide guitar moans and groans in a mid-tempo meditation before the group explodes into a jammy outro, melting faces with a stanky rhythm and blistering lead guitar. Elsewhere, they channel Led Zeppelin (or maybe Cage the Elephant) on “Iteration” and album closer “Undone,” sounding like a perfect mix of the aformentioned bands. The band has no problem spreading their wings either – lead single “Lonesome Street” is a 5+ minute near-ballad that uses acoustic guitar and spindly leads that impress but never overwhelm, really letting the impassioned vocal melodies shine through.
WaterPenny’s strength (and the core of Buttons For People, at least in my opinion) really lies in their inherent grooviness. It’s certainly inspired by their bluesy roots, but the songs here fall into a synchronized rhythm that feel informed by the group’s live presence. “What That Got You” is built around a super tasty bass groove that allows for soaring vocals to take over through a minor-forward prechorus. “Hidden Side” is another gem – built around a heady rhythm and velcro-style fuzz tones, the vocals creep and crawl through the guitars like a snake through a humid bayou. Punctuated hits and catchy rhythms aplenty, the song climaxes in a surprisingly happy-sounding riff that is sure to inspire headbanging.
At nine songs in length, there’s just enough for folks to dig through here, proper-LP style. Show up for the hot and heavy blues rhythms, but stick around for the mysterious deep cuts like “Sine qua non.” Buttons For People is available now (October 11th, 2025). Check it out via Soundcloud (below), or, Spotify and Apple Music. If you’re in the area, WaterPenny will be hosting a vinyl release show on November 22 at musicology in Edmonds, WA.
Categorised in: Album Reviews
This post was written by Nick Sessanna