Album Review: Will & The People - Friends

Brighton's colourful seafront has given rise to acts such as The Kooks, Bat For Lashes and Blood Red Shoes to name a few; even Nick Cave shares an affinity with the bohemian board-walked town. Characterised by sunny reggae the aforementioned acts are not, but fellow Brightonians on the rise Will And The People most certainly are and their brand of vibrant, dirty, sultry, party-making Caribbean sass is infectiously enjoyable on their latest, Friends.

It's the kind of all-inclusive party pop on opener Holiday that instantly puts the four-piece's second offering in favour. It doesn't travel much outside the reggae/ska spectrum but with some eastern gypsy guitar folk thrown in amongst blitzing keys and Will Rendle's slightly nasally vocal line, it doesn't really matter. Lyrically and sonically it's mostly upbeat, with Rendle's most pressing concern being who he can get to “come to the back of the room” on the teasing Fire, but there's some thoughtful, textural moments to make it more veritable than your average chilled-out house offering. The suggestive Sensimilla is earnest and rendered multifaceted by its almost debaucherous accordion piping, before upping the vibe with frantic horns and staggered, rhythmic harmonies in 10000 Times Before.

Despite a heavy bent for reggae, which may make some people reach for a sharp razor after a few tracks, it's as fresh and enjoyable as summer's best house party. A walking bassline works its wonders on the massively chilled and kinda cute Yellow about a yellow-toothed bogeyman, and it's highlights like these that make this an album to please most everyone, even if it runs just a couple of tracks too many.