aaamusic | On 10, Dec 2012

Flashy and garish, this is an impressive new EP from LA born singer-songwriter Bo Keeney, who has apparently written, performed and produced everything himself. The result is a set of songs that fizz and sparkle on initial listening, but don’t offer up a great deal more on repeat visits. The opening title track has multiple sections, different effects and styles all combined, adding up to create an enjoyably messy and highly inventive opener. There’s an effective soul-like quality to the vocals which complements the use of dynamic and jazzy harmonies, vibrantly rendered with various contrasting textures, including a drum and bass section which just about slots in not too incoherently. Second song Ambulance features an awesome funky bass line which perfectly evokes an ultra-cool slickness that relaxes things down following the liveliness of Don’t You Worry. Motivation has a Pet Shop Boys ring to it. Warm synths, some nifty guitar counterpoint and typically soulful vocals all make for a very likeable track. As with the rest of the EP, I sense there’s more style than substance, with vivid production disguising fairly standard and repetitive songwriting. Nethertheless, this is a minor quibble over a piece of work which clearly demonstrates tremendous talent and promise.

★★★★★

Rupert Uzzell