It goes without saying that the great Ron S. Peno needs no introduction, but as he and The Superstitions share the video for the recently-released “The Strangest Feeling”, it’s clear that he’s just as powerful and charismatic as ever.
Having risen to fame as a member of numerous outfits, including the likes of the Screaming Tribesmen and Hellcats, it would be for his work as the frontman of revered rockers Died Pretty that Peno is a household name to most. However, it was around a decade ago that Peno’s latest effort truly took off, with Ron S. Peno & the Superstitions having released a number of records in recent years.
With the group’s namesake having battled oesophageal cancer in recent years, it’s made any new release all the more appreciated. While their Guiding Light album arrived a few years back in 2017, Peno and the Superstitions once again emerged from the minutiae of these past few years with their latest effort, Do the Understanding, which appeared in July.
Equal parts powerful and resonant, Peno explained to Rhythms magazine that his creative vision had been somewhat strengthened by his health battles in recent years. “I’ve just got this whole new outlook on creating and moving people and creating worlds of music and bringing people into the world you’re creating on stage,” Peno explained.
“I think he’s singing the best he’s ever sung, in my opinion – he sounds f*cking incredible,” says Peno’s songwriting partner, Cam Butler. “He’s got an extra half an octave in his range, I think. And the timbre of his voice is really really warm and controlled; it’s incredible.”
Of course, it’s on Do the Understanding that Peno’s voice truly does shine, with the record arguably serving as one of his finest efforts – and one of the best he’s made with the Superstitions – in many years.
Following its arrival in July, Peno and the Superstitions have now shared the official video for the track “The Strangest Feeling”, giving it the visual accompaniment it deserves.
With Cinematography handled by Charity Bramwell, the minimalist clip features Peno – who created the video’s concept – performing the track up against a hazily-lit window, allowing himself to come out of the shadows and into the light as the song’s intensity rises.
Showcasing the power in his voice, his worth as a performer, and the raw charisma that made him one of Australia’s great frontmen, the clip for “The Strangest Feeling” is a masterful moment in an already acclaimed career.
Despite Do the Understanding having arrived a few months back, Peno and the Superstitions will be giving it a formal live launch early next year, following the rescheduling of a handful of appearances. Full details are available below.
Ron S. Peno & the Superstitions’, Do the Understanding is out now.
Ron S. Peno & the Superstitions Live Dates 2022
Saturday, January 15th, 2022
Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne, VIC
Tickets: Moshtix
Saturday, February 26th, 2022
The Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon, VIC
Tickets: TryBooking
Saturday, March 12th, 2022
Memo Music Hall, Melbourne, VIC
Tickets: TryBooking
