Album// Othello Woolf, Othello Woolf.

The new album from Othello Woolf boasts the fantastic emergence of his neo-soul style, through which he has made a name for himself.

Opening with debut single; “Stand,” purveying a woozy, shuffling guitar, beneath the yearning vocals, somewhat reminiscent of Bryan Ferry throughout late Roxy Music and his early solo material. As well as on “Confidence Barometer” with it’s suave, laid back – though up-tempo funk. However there are also elements of Prince’s most recent works, as demonstrated through Woolf’s vocal styling, guitar fills and general funkiness.

Whereas “Every Moment” is a smooth, insouciant number – even slightly sleazy perhaps, but has guitar fills and solo’s that are almost air-guitar worthy. As well as “I Am An Artist,” although his voice does draw comparisons to a slightly more macho similarity to disposable pop sensation; Mika.

However, “Hampstead Heath” does comprise something different: a drumbeat that could even be categorized as “house,” with a tinkering piano. Accompanied by lyrics that are essentially about acts of public nudity upon the aforementioned; Hampstead Heath. Yet is still a great track, perhaps the most memorable on the album that even George Michael would surely enjoy.

All in all, Woolf’s neo-soul and white funk styles are presented extraordinarily well throughout his debut, eponymous album. Marking a very good effort, even playing all of the instruments himself, thus a superb new talent.

Jonathan Hatchman.