Words by Natalie Weiner—
Lovers rock revolutionary and LargeUp favorite Hollie Cook is back and ready to take 2014 by storm with her dubby reggae sound. The British singer is preparing to release her second full-length album in May, and, frankly, we can’t wait. Entitled Twice, the LP continues Cook’s exploration of what she describes as “tropical pop”—basically, a whole slew of different influences from around the world (jazz, ska, pop, etc.) combined with classic-sounding, yet totally-fresh deep dub grooves. With the assistance of Prince Fatty, who produced Cook’s debut, our pick for 2011’s album of the year, she’s built on that sound while taking it in a whole new direction.
The first release off the album, the titular single “Twice” features Cook’s breezy vocals floating above a seriously vibing dubwise riddim. Incorporating unexpected elements like a prominent string sample, the track hints at what’s to come on the rest of the album. Dropping just in time for summer, Twice will be released on May 12th—if you pre-order it at PledgeMusic.com, though, you’ll receive it on April 28th. Check out “Twice,” the song, and the tracklist below, and get to know Hollie in our 2011 interview with the singer here.
ARI UP
99
DESDEMONA
TIGER BALM
POSTMAN
LOOKING FOR REAL LOVE
SUPERFAST
TWICE
WIN OR LOSE