Jack Peñate was clearly a very talented, promising performer when he appeared a few years ago with his rockabilly meets poppy indie stylings and energetic live performance, but many were quick to write him off as a flash-in-the-pan check shirt troubadour. It’s immensely pleasing to see him deliver so highly on his second album and move in such a clever direction – and one that makes him relevant to these dancey climbs.
His usual chirpy delivery is underpinned in much of this album by sunny, melancholic Afrobeat sounds and warm basslines, making for a captivating and joyous mix. Lead single Tonight’s Today has an epic, timeless Balearic charm to it, while the follow-up Be The One is a rousing anthem driven by rolling bass, fiery horns and gorgeous backing vocals. Give Yourself Away explodes in a flurry of tribal percussion and ethereal vocals, while Everything Is New is Tonight’s Today’s close relative, simmering along with tropical guitar licks and shuffling percussion immaculately.
Aside from being able to pen a cracking tune and deliver it in a highly charismatic way, he’s frequently inspired with his lyrics. Let’s All Die for example is genius – in his own words, “The song was inspired by a trip I had as a teenager to New Orleans where I saw a funeral procession. There was a brass band playing and people singing, they were joyously mourning. It really effected me and so I wrote this song.” It gives an optimistic, uplifting treatment of the inevitable march towards death, underlining the futility and frankly ridiculous nature of life.
Weighing in at just 9 excellent tracks, there’s no filler or excess, and what you’re left with is in our opinion a bit of a classic that you’ll want to play your grandkids in 50 years time. Excellent summer listening.
[LISTEN TO & BUY THIS ALBUM IN THE PLAYER BELOW]