The new EP from South London producer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Hobbs provides a perfect platform and stepping stone to this new great sounding artist.
Out from 31st July, Hobbs has concocted a four-track EP titled Better Weather that is part soul, part synth but wholly wonderous.
The lead off track ‘Own Arms’ is a great sonic soundscape dripping with the influence of The War on Drugs with Tears for Fears throwbacks.
The opening track and title track ‘Better Weather’ reminded this listener of Jamie Liddell, and hopefully Hobbs does not replicate that performer’s meteoric rise to stardom and then just as quickly disappear from public view.
How we care is a more introspective track, these little spidery guitar lines creeping over the track, as Hobbs vocal swoons and sighs over the top, while closer Loaded Gun, ups the tempo but maintains this sense of melancholy which purveys the smart pop of the track.
In contrast to his 2018 EP Blue Sky this is an collection of songs that show growth and development to a bigger sound and confidence.
Produced in collaboration with Paul Usher and Cathal McKeon; the EP is a great sounding board for the content of Hobbs and once live music returns this will be an artist to watch out for with an accompanying band. A solid 8 out of 10 for this effort.
Follow Ben on Twitter @benhobbsmusic
My thanks to Mystic Sons for the review opportunity.
