4Play

March 16, 2008

Jack Peñate - Matinee - XL Recordings
Singing with a Cockney accent Peñate has long been a bit of a zany fixture on the London nightclub circuit, playing a modernized (and widely appealing) mix of ska guitar and melodic pop sung with intent and emotion. Now, he’s being produced by the likes of the esteemed Jim Abbiss (Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys) for this set, which adds in some snazzy beats to pep up his debut album. “Made of Codes” features a super-catchy melody and Britpop rhythms, “Second, Minute, or Hour” is one of those singalongable tunes you’ll have a hard time shaking, “My Yvonne” proves Peñate’s ability to create pretty, and “We Will Be Here” showcases his technical writing abilities.


Sunny Day Sets Fire - Stranger - IAmSound
A plethora of expert mixermasters took on this pre-debut EP (a precursor to their upcoming full-length) by the UK power-pop quintet, and the results are both a good intro to the band and a fun listen on its own. Seamless and almost psychedelic, the set alternates between pep and chill, although the slower moments stand out a little more. The Cool Kids remix SDSF’s “Stranger” to groovy, radio-friendly effect, while CSS highlights SDSF singer Mauro Remiddi’s even tones with a mellowed-out, posh feel, and Baron Von Luxxury highlights the low end of “Brainless,” while Mad Decent does a second remix of “Brainless” that has its own appeal.


Luke Solomon - The Difference Engine - Rekid
He owns a label, produces others’ music, and performs his own. And with this album, he topically takes on the progression of life itself, the songs on the album moving through the range of feelings that happen as he’s been growing older. Don’t mistake this for some boomer retro set, though - on the contrary, Solomon’s usual extravagances are still firmly in force. ‘70s punk, ‘80s pop, and current electronica are all reflected here, but it’s all filtered through his unapologetically-spoken word passages and lyrics, mixed for maximum moveability.



Black Crowes - Warpaint - Silver Arrow
It’s been seven years since the last Black Crowes album - and guess what? You’d never know it. Chris and Rich Robinson are both still in full old-school ‘70s force, and their songs are too, pulling from Southern Rock, ‘70s hippie jams, and jukebox rock. Their organic side shows through in tracks like “Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution,” “Locust Street,” and “Oh Josephine,” while they throw in a few Eastern influences on “Whoa Mule” and attempt to rock out on “Movin’ On Down the Line.” They’re still wearing suede jackets, bellbottoms, and fringe - and yep, the music hasn’t changed either - but since that’s what their fans like, well then, that’s their mark of success.