It rocks along, chock-full of character and has swagger to spare. Beholden to a wealth of sounds and songs that you think you can half-remember, it somehow carves a furrow all its own. Excellent fun!
Music
The songwriting is something else, this album presents hit after hit, and always beautifully performed. Whether the moment is high energy, set to get you dancing, or mellow and reflective of personal, intimate issues, Jo Potter’s voice is striking; perfectly expressive and naturally connected to the stories at hand.
Emerging with something of a classic driving rock ballad vibe, Flame is a quickly addictive and familiar piece of music and writing, though with a notably poetic back-bone that lays out a series of detailed images and scenes that perfectly suit the emotion and energy of the music.
Irresistible and so drenched in 80s nostalgia that I almost drowned in the ghost of hair gel past, Satellite is a joyous thing that sounds like A Flock of Seagulls had a child with Starship and invited Miami Sound Machine along to the baptism, where Flashdance… What A Feeling was playing in the background.
Melodically more fluid and complex than a first listen betrays, Our New Plan plays with texture in subtle ways, with keys and guitar and percussion swapping prominence throughout the track, with a warm bass line providing energy and heart throughout.
It’s a veritable cornucopia of tunes that all have a different flavour to offer. Dive on in!
The tune is robust, fascinating and demonstrates a great sense of dynamic range and colour which elevates it to a very high level.Anthony Vince – Like This
It’s melodically fascinating, lyrically savvy, with interesting chords and features a terrific vocal performance that is a great advertisement for an exciting talent that should be soon to garner much attention.
It’s warm, fuzzy and comforting as well as accomplished and tuneful. It’s rare to find a song that wears its influences and target so plainly upon its sleeve – it’s a totally refreshing experience.
The upbeat and optimistic Ode To Joy vibe contrasts well with the language and the angst of the lyrics, resulting in something that – for half of its listeners at least – will light up the room; bringing a glimmer of essential joy in an otherwise turbulent time.
This whole track utilizes both theme and language to build something consistently relevant and interesting – whilst also holding onto that necessary style and confidence to keep it rooted amidst today’s sound.
A simple and smooth beat meets with a clear sense of melody and rhythm from a songwriting perspective, making Van Kings’ Tell Me a fine introduction to an artist and lyricist with a clear connection to the process.