Originating from the happy seaside town of Brighton, sextet ‘Two Spot Gobi’ are definitely one of the most exciting outfits currently around. Having already won plaudits from American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, Two Spot Gobi’s latest offering ‘The Sun Will Rise’ is hands down one of our favourite releases of 2011 to date.
Having recorded the brand new release with the legendary producer Niko Bolas (the man behind work by names including John Mayer and Regina Spektor), we expected a high standard from the very beginning.
The album opener ‘Simon’s Song’ sets the bar incredibly high for the rest of the release to follow, with an immediate feel-good factor present and is clearly very reminicent of that man again Jason Mraz. It’s thought spinning narrative and catchy chorus underpins the message of the track, which was written after an encounter between band frontman James Robinson and a childhood school friend about their vastly differing career paths – highly reflected in the repetition of the line, ‘…everything will be alright.
From one stunning track to another, the creative talent blends into track two imacculately. A dreamy cello piece along with a subtly soft and gentle hint of guitar opens ‘Guiding Star’, and is thereon led by frontman Robinson’s distinctive vocals – rather like a cross between that man once again Jason Mraz and Jamie Cullum. The harmonic bass line compliments the vocal strength and again feel-good surf-pop recording perfectly, and leads us deceptively into a much more up-tempo track three, ‘I Remember’.
Again offering an uplifting mood helped further by the up-tempo step up, ‘I Remember’ is much more on the funky side and offers a a helpful soul-esque feel, enhanced by Robinson’s lively vocal talent. Being extremely well written, ‘I Remember’ rivals the superb ‘Light On’ for Clixie’s stand out track award. Filled with a well crafted drum arrangement, as well as being filled with a glut of guitars and splashing out an addictive and melodic chorus. Robinson’s lead vocals strive into the territory you’re more likely to associate with that of Kooks lead singer Luke Pritchard, supplying an an already energetic-filled mix to the chorus.
Taking into account that the record was recorded at his California home, it’s unsurprising that a track featuring Jason Mraz slots perfectly into the middle of the album. ‘Tomorrow’ is filled with a host of beautiful harmonies provided by both Mraz and Robinson, and jumps back to the more emotive side of the record that we perhaps found in ‘Simon’s Song’.
Following this comes a beautifully heart warming ‘Everyone Will Know’, opened by an effortless trumpet part that integrates wonderfully with Robinson’s again classy and enticing vocals. The album then rounds up with three more well crafted tracks, which include the very dynamic ‘Try Again’.
By virtue of it’s playcount, we have determined that the Brighton outfits latest release is definitely a big hitter. For a group of hugely talented musicians, Two Spot Gobi in our opinion are massively under-rated, and the very point we make is reflected throughout ‘The Sun Will Rise’. Both enjoyable and meaningful, the release is filled with a diverse range of sounds and styles that would compliment anyones taste, and makes for a rather pleasant listen in the spring sunshine.
Clixie’s album rating: 8.5/10
Clixie’s ‘Track to listen to’: ‘Light On’
The album ‘The Sun Will Rise’ is released on Monday (May 16th), and is available for pre-order at both HMV and Amazon. Signed copies of the album can also be pre-ordered direct from the bands webstore here.
We leave you with our favourite track from ‘The Sun Will Shine’, and taking the quality of the release into account here, it was a massively difficult decision. This is ‘Light On’:
‘Light On’ is available as a free download here.