HOLLIE COOK Vinyl & CDs

Review: The world may feel dark and depressing right now, but mercifully there are still artists whose escapist instincts can help lighten the gloom. Hollie Cook, daughter of Sex Pistols' Paul Cook and long a purveyor of soul-fired dub and reggae, is one such artist. Happy Hour, her first album in four years, is a glorious, life-affirming distraction in this summer of discontent - a colourful, groovy, bass-heavy and sugary-sweet riff on lovers rock capable of putting a spring in your step. Our picks of an especially strong bunch include the weary-but-uplifting title track, the jaunty 'Kush Kween' (featuring the distinctive vocals of guest Jah9) and the immersive, sonically kaleidoscopic 'Full Moon Baby'.

Review: Hollie Cook's superb new album Happy Hour sees the modern day lovers rock star really mature her sound and come good on everything she has promised before now. She has a happy, feel good and lush singing style that has, since the 70s, become a British reggae signature and it is laid bare here for all to enjoy. Her lyrics are also hugely personal and really invite you in deep to her world with her General Roots band members Ben Mckone and Luke Allwood, and executive producer Youth, all in fine form.

Review: Hollie Cook's new Happy Hour album has been previewed with lead single 'Full Moon Baby' which came with a great new video hot with her backing band, General Roots. It is a lush and soulful roots sound that is indicative of the wider albums sound overall. It is lyrically inspired by new life, the moon, friends who have recently had babies and lots of love and hope. As such it has a tender feel, with airy and uplifting vocals that warm you right to your core. This album reasserts Hollie as a queen of modern day lovers rock with her lushly harmonic sound.