Features Mozart Parties

Rarely does an artist sound so poised and ready to break America, before he’s even broken his own country. The uncontrollable, spiralling whirlwind of hype that swept up the likes of Cults would rejoice in James Bennett’s sweet, guitar-swept tones. You can almost see the huddling of journalists focused on 2012 SXSW performance already. Bennett has some serious crossover appeal; his songs are catchy, fluid and shrouded in warm, luscious and near-unforgettable melody.

The 23-year-old hails from the Lake District. First effort, ‘Black Cloud’, though laden with the obvious negative connotations, has a sound more in line with an idyllic walk in his place of birth or in American terms, Cape Cod. Before Grizzly Bear’s ‘Veckatimest’ came out, they unveiled some promo images showing the group scuttling around the beautiful, green fields and lakes of Massachusetts’ holiday destination. ‘Black Cloud’ harbours a similar care-free demeanour, where the only pressing concern is where to pitch your picnic mat and bottle of wine.

Lyrically, Bennett proves this isn’t quite the case. The mantra of “it’s impossible to break out / when you’re a prisoner to breakdown” is repeated over and over to stress his frustration. The song’s all about his inability to let his mind wander, to set free from routine (“and the days go by / and the mind won’t fly / from the stubbornness of my own skin”). But contrary to Bennett’s dilemma, the listener is left to wantonly explore the brushing textures and multitude of layers. Being one of the most enjoyable songs of the year so far, it’s not a bad way to start out.

Black Cloud by Mozart Parties