Van Hunt

The very dapper Van Hunt releases his second album. Full of neo-soul, rock-laced R'n'B and plenty of funk. Hunt explains “Some of it sounds like the Isley Brother, some of it sounds like the Smiths". The record sporadically jumps from deep soul to jagged guitar grooves back to blues, but although ‘variety is the spice of life' Van Hunt may have over done it a little with the chilli pepper, as the different styles confuse the album rather than broaden it.

However, after a few listens you'll warm up to a few tracks, including the delightfully retro ‘The Thrill of This Love' and the spacey ‘Hot Stage Lights'. Overall the record isn't half-bad and the loose, raw feel, is a refreshing change from most of today's sterile, high-gloss R'n'B.