Two Spot Gobi
Two Spot Gobi, The Sun Will Rise Album Review
By Hannah Spencer in Music Reviews on 21 February 2011
Opening with a fast-moving, rhythmic cello part flanked by gentle suggestions of guitar, 'Guiding Star', the first track on Two Spot Gobi's forthcoming album, The Sun Will Rise, instantly sounds the band as something a bit different; a fresh sound. With each bar emphasised with the gentle throb of a bass drum, the track builds in a similar vein to the likes of Morning Parade, Thirteen Senses, maybe even early Coldplay, with layers of delayed electric guitars and rumbling drums. 'Guiding Star', led by James Robinson's distinctive vocals flavoured with hints of Jamie Cullum, builds into a fantastic, well-structured, feel-good pop song with a driving cello part throughout and a gentle bluesy trumpet part layered over the top, before dying out to solo vocals accompanied by a melodic, harmonic-ridden bass line to close.
Originally a Brighton-based sextet, Two Spot Gobi's career has built considerably since being noticed by American chirpy surf-pop dude, Jason Mraz who both invited the band to support him on tour and to record in his home studio in San Diego. Whilst 'Simon's Song', an instantly kicking feel good, surf-y pop song, has flavours of Jason Mraz, the following track, 'Tomorrow', which features the man himself, would easily fit onto his own album We Sing We Dance We Steal Things. Contrasting the powerful, heartfelt chorus of 'Simon's Song', 'Tomorrow (ft. Jason Mraz)' is much more down tempo with smooth low cello rumbling below gentle-toned vocals, later moving into a lush cello solo supported by trumpet harmonies. Later, their former single 'You Make It Easy' opens with cello and guitar, then drums and trumpet kick in with a spritely groove; a feel-good, summer-y, Jack Johnson vibe with a clap chorus with foot-tappingly soulful, funky instrumental.