Jack Penate
(XL Recordings)
London native Jack Peñate garnered much media attention for 2007s debut album Matinee. Greatly inspired by 60s, rockabilly pop, Peñate's jangly telecaster, knack for upbeat melodies, and crazy jittery dance attracted many a fan. However, the child-like charm of Matinee was fleeting for me;yet, for this years Everything Is New Peñate has switched sonic gears, matured his sound and dove head first into dance territory.
For this dance driven album international elements are abundant, especially calypso. However, Peñate has not totally forgotten his former influences and "Let's All Die" is a ska based track which proves to be the odd duck in this package. Luckily Peñate quickly steers back on track and lays down some more catchy melodies. From opener "Pull My Heart Away" to the slower "Every Glance," Peñate has you entranced. Though the album is a short 33 minute romp, it includes only nine songs, Everything Is New is a fun, pop-drenched, and memorable brief encounter.
Standout Tracks: "Be The One," "Tonight's Today" APRIL S. ENGRAM
