Everything Is New (Bonus Track Version)

For album number two, Brit singer-songwriter Jack Penate teamed up with Bloc Party producer Paul Epworth in his west London home studio and began a sonic transformation that attempts “lo-fi soul,” and whatever paradoxes and contradictions that might conjure up. Penate’s a skilled singer, so he can slink past the synth patches and silky rhythmic tumbles with grace and ease. With nine tracks coming in at three to four minutes, Penate’s an economical guest who understands how to ignite the ghosts of Brit-pop and Philly Soul without owing much to either in the transaction. “Pull My Heart Away” sets the tone, the vocals hiding behind reverb and mechanical beats. “Be the One” establishes greater stage presence with Penate taking charge and sending the disco beats to the backstage while the loopy back-up vocals mock and tease. By “Tonight’s Today,” Penate’s even goofing on his own vocals, twisting into mock falsetto before joining the back-up choir for a culture-jam of world beat and budget-lined techno.