Jack Penate - Everything Is New Album Review

Review of Jack Penate's album Everything Is New released through XL Records.

What has happened to Jack Penate? Everything Is New is a pretty apt title for his second album, it basically sees him undergo a complete re-invention. No doubt producer extraordinaire, Paul Epworth (Florence And The Machine, Friendly Fires, and Bloc Party) was in part behind Penate's change of direction and he certainly stamps his mark on the album with the big lustrous sound that has become his trademark.

Everything Is New is full of world music influences from Afrobeat (Tonight's Today) to the Latino carnival beats of the title track, and in fact there is a definite party atmosphere throughout the whole album. Previous single, Tonight's Today sounds even better within the context of the album and Be The One essentially follows its winning formula; a soaring, euphoric number with a full gospel choir chorus. The Latino beats of Everything Is New has summer stamped all over it and even when Pen?ate's lyrics take a darker turn, as on Every Glance, he still manages to keep it upbeat. Those party beats continue whilst the choir chants 'Liar, bully, coward, thief'.

This is a record with made with integrity; a huge all encompassing sound that really enhances Penate's vocals. Each song is swathed in the Epworth sheen and all of that makes Everything Is New a triumphant comeback. If this is the 'new' Jack Penate, then there are surely only more good things to come.

Rating 7/10

Robyn Burrows