Category:
Pop

Try if you like:
Housemartins, Jam, Kasabian

• Have I Been A Fool

Jack Penate is a pop craftsman from South London, UK that is working on trying to gain global recognition. With Matinee Jack has started the ball rolling. While this is far from perfect, it is a fun pop album that has many things going for it. The nice thing with Penate is that he doesn't have that same feel that a lot of British bands have been possessing lately. You know, the Gang Of Four sound so prevalent in bands like Maximo Park, Futureheads, etc. Jack reaches to classic British bands like Housemartins and The Jam for influence. Another great thing about the songs here is that Jack plays the acoustic guitar in a fun upbeat way that adds life. Even on slower songs like "When We Die" there is something charming about the presentation. Good boppy songs like the bouncy "Run For Your Life" put a smile on your face. 

Jack does nothing revolutionary on Matinee. Instead he opts for good, solid songwriting and enjoyable presentation. This is a great debut album.