Greentea Peng - Tell Dem It's Sunny (Album Review)
Monday, 24 March 2025
Written by James Palaczky
Photo: William Spooner
‘Tell Dem It’s Sunny’ is an insight into the inner workings of an artist at the top of her game. Marking an evolution both in terms of sound and identity, here Greentea Peng exceeds even her own expectations by producing an inspiring album that manifests growth and perseverance to the tune of her renowned blend of psychedelia and R&B.
Fans will be familiar with the Londoner’s insightful and meditative musings and this time around, her energy is directed inwards to explore personal and, at times, melancholic emotions. It’s a brave move as it risks dipping into genuine misery and self-loathing, but she elegantly weaves truth and sadness together to create a fully-rounded, honest, and tranquil album.
Album highlight Glory explores the inability to feel thankful for everyday blessings. Singing about the sunny skies she should be grateful for, she chooses to pair it with subdued beats and sombre, echoing jazz guitars, creating a beautiful sense of juxtaposition.
Greentea Peng’s true masterstroke, though, is offering layers to explore. My Neck, featuring Wu-Lu, incorporates imagery of snakes and vampires in venting her frustrations about members of her inner circle stealing her energy and joy. Though somewhat obvious metaphorically, it is immensely relatable.
Jumping to Stones Throw, a song of wasted and ill-timed love, finds Greentea Peng reflecting sincerely on past mistakes, contemplating the missteps of a failed relationship. By creating a three-dimensional exploration of herself, without skipping these more self-critical elements, she opens up to the listener in a manner that makes her advice and reflections even more poignant.
Of course, the album is not all doom and gloom. The beauty is that there is not a before and after, just a present based around a powerful and formidable personality that rises naturally to become a symbol of self-empowerment. Throughout, she uses the familiar smooth bass lines and low-fi rattling snare from previous records, choosing to build upon her signature sound instead of totally abandoning it.
It moves hand in hand with her as she grows as an artist without losing her identity. I Am (Reborn) finds Greentea Peng chanting, “I am not who I was yesterday” to an awe-inspiring slide guitar riff that lifts you to your feet. It’s the culmination of an emotional ride and an album determined to inspire.
Greentea Peng Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Fri April 25 2025 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute
Sat April 26 2025 - LEEDS Project House
Sun April 27 2025 - DUBLIN 3Olympia Theatre
Tue April 29 2025 - GLASGOW QMU
Wed April 30 2025 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Boiler Shop
Fri May 02 2025 - NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Sat May 03 2025 - MANCHESTER Albert Hall
Sun May 04 2025 - BRIGHTON Chalk
Tue May 06 2025 - CARDIFF Tramshed
Thu May 08 2025 - BRISTOL O2 Academy Bristol
Fri May 09 2025 - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
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