Penguin Cafe’s fifth album, Rain Before Seven…, blends playful rhythms and global textures with a quietly optimistic spirit. Inspired by an old English weather proverb, the album balances exotic instrumentation—like balafon, ukulele, and melodica—with hints of electronic pulse. Highlights include the cinematic ‘Welcome to London,’ which mixes warmth and irony, and the syncopated tribute ‘In Re Budd’ honouring ambient pioneer Harold Budd. Led by Arthur Jeffes, the record revisits the band’s roots while embracing fresh, upbeat energy and rhythmic flair.
