Penelope Road, Chance Encounter

Penelope Road is back with an EP full of heart and pocket. The Atlanta feel-good band has reached a sense of virality with their videos performing in their bedrooms. It’s no surprise that they will be opening for Atlanta soul phenom Teddy Swims on December 11th. The dedication and process to this work yields inevitable successes. It’s an antithesis to their work’s title, Chance Encounter. Inside are four songs diligently devoted to the longing of love that hasn’t happened yet.

Penelope Road (Photo: Garrett Cardoso)

The EP starts on its catchiest note with the title track, “Chance Encounter”. Bouncy, swinging drums help the song guide you around the perfectly encapsulated feeling. We’re left daydreaming about one that got away. Maybe it’s the one you’re already missing some moments with. “I felt a temporary love with an imaginary girl” could serve as the longform title to this entire piece. However, it’s the opening chorus line that serves as an enlightenment to self. So, by song one, hook one; you better find a windowsill to stare out of. The way that the rhythm section surfs to the 1 is a perfect association to the dreamy lyricism of this song. 

The grooviness doesn’t stop there. My personal favorite from this EP hits right after the title track. It can’t be stressed enough that the drums in this work are impeccable. It’s an absolute masterclass from Anthony Smith. The lyrics of “In Your Arms” feed more into the specifics of what Chance Encounter is all about. Maybe we’re led to believe the imaginary person in question is the idea of the person they were singing about. It’s a beautiful reflection of human nature in relationships. With time, people may seem unrecognizable from when you first meet them. Penelope Road inquires about the level of change a person is willing to go through to achieve the warmth that true love brings. 

While peeking around soul in their form of modern indie rock, the last song takes a twangy turn. “Feel It Coming My Way” begins on a hopeful piano and organ note. That piano is floating graciously throughout all four songs, but the bluesy nature of it in this song pushes it all to another level. The solo section would make an Allman brother blush. The twangy compliments of the guitar are a final testament to the production work of Nashville producer Ryan Gore. His mix work makes this EP a smooth and buttery listen the whole way through. I can only imagine his job for Penelope Road was easier than most to deal with. They are world-class caliber instrumentalists. They possess a barber-shop quartet like ear for harmonies in every song. 

With these chops, you can get almost anywhere. There’s nostalgia all around, inspired by the best progressions from 70’s soul and rock bands. However, their careful intention with songwriting proves that the Atlanta groovers are in a league of their own and are well on their way to a chance encounter at the Grammys one day. 

Penelope Road's new EP 'Chance Encounter' was released on October 31st, 2025, via Warner Records.