Maylight’s impressive debut album ‘Almighty’ harks back to the Nineties golden period of Mo’Wax’ed boom bap and soul jazz but it would do it a disservice to just lump it in with the so-called trip hop revival. This isn’t lazy sax loops slapped over hip hop beats.. strong songwriting, diverse influences and a collective approach to songwriting make this an album worth repeated listening.

The BBC New Music award winning band have a juicy pedigree for such a young outfit, the vocal talents of ex-Tru Thoughts vocalist Lizzy Parks, pianist Rob Barron (whose CV includes session chops for Jay Z, Kanye and Jay Electronica) and a host of young jazz hotshots including BBC Performing Arts Prize winning saxophonist Mary Wakelam. Produced by the ever solid Chris Read (whose work includes productions and remixes for Grammy Award winning vocalist Algebra Blessett, the mighty Oddisee, Pugs Atomz and The Pharcyde), this record shines with talent and vibes.

‘Digits’ is the standout track for me, moody, tough and sexy as hell with great use of atmospheric synths that remind me of Richard Barbieri, the tonal wizard from Eighties glamour-weirdos, Japan. The 11 track album contains a wealth of moods, the climate change blues of ‘Too Much’, a yearning electro cover of The Smiths' ‘How Soon Is Now’, jazzy RnB on 'Heavy Artillery' and what sounds like a near copy of Modeselektor’s classic ‘Berlin’ in ‘Got No Time’!

In the group’s brief history, Maylight have played live shows at Birmingham Symphony Hall’s new city center live venue and London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall to a sell out crowd as part of London Jazz Festival. They’ve got a spring in their step and I’m a fan.

Review by Ex-Friendly

Grab it here on BBE https://bbemusic.lnk.to/MaylightAlmighty