Penelope: RIP (2 members currently in Eric Panic)
Penelope was formed at the beginning of 1999 by Francis Bédard (vocals,bass), Julie Berthold (guitar, vocals) and Éric Roberge (drums). In the spring of 1999, Penelope went into the studio to record 3 songs. Following the success of "Jean D. Rangé" on CHOI 98.1 (Quebec), Penelope decided to write a full length, "J'ai Fait Fuire La Visite" which was launched in August of 1999. The second single, "Rien â Comprendre" was an immediate success on Quebec's radio waves. The video for "Rien â Comprendre" rose to #9 on the Musique Plus countdown. Penelope also went on to make videos for "Un Quéquébécois" and "Bob". Montreal's Union Label Group contacted the band and Penelope signed a distribution deal. Since then, the album has gone on to sell more than 5000 copies, no small feat for a francophone punk rock band from Quebec.
Penelope have performed all over Quebec: Woodstock en Beauce 2000, Festival Envol et Macadam, Vans Warped Tour 2000 (Montreal) and have opened for such acts as Serial Joe as well as the Planet Smashers for the opening of the Montreal's Club Soda.
After the birth of Zachary (son of Julie and Eric) and Romain (son of Francis) in the Fall of 2000, Penelope decided to take a break and concentrate their efforts on the birth of their second album. "Face Au Silence Du Monde" was recorded in October 2001 at Washington D.C.'s legendary "Inner Ear Studios". In the studio with Penelope were producer Dave Smalley (Down By Law, Dag Nasty, All) and engineer Don Zientara who is known for his work with Foo Fighters, Fugazi, Minor Threat and Down By Law among a slew of other American punk and alternative acts. Penelope had a blast in the studio with Dave Smalley who appears on 7 of 12 songs. Also in the studio were Ian Mackay (Fugazi) and Brian Baker (Bad Religion, Minor Threat, Dag Nasty) who added his own personal touch on 3 songs. Face au Silence du Monde was Penelope's final release.
