One of the most interesting albums of the year comes from the London based Rod Thomas, who’s currently gaining popularity under his stage name ‘Bright Light Bright Light’. ”Make Me believe in Hope” is a beautiful ode to the late 8oies and early 90ies with a twist.
The success of the Welsh born singer rocketed after appearing at Glastonbury, Latitude, Camp Bestival, Green Man, Innocent Village Fete and Summer Sundae festivals and becoming a favorite remixer commissioned to rework tracks for Gotye, James Yuill, Goldie Lookin Chain, Sam Isaac, Run Toto Run, Tim & Sam’s Tim & The Sam Band and The Very Most.
His love for the late 8oies and early 9oies is beautifully showcased by a compilation of 11 tracks who stay true to their musical heritage and yet receive a current pop twist. Opening track ‘Immature’ starts of as a relaxed synth pop song but really flows into a more uptempo rhythm preparing the listener for ‘Feel It’ which really sets that dominating 80ies feel throughout the album. The debut single ”Waiting For The Feeling”, has a funky piano riddle and such a catchy chorus, thus the perfect example of that 80ies sound reinvented and integrated in modern pop music. It’s a very consistent album touching upon the different styles of this area, ‘Cry At Films’ is one of those, with its electric guitars and keyboard combo, showing while ‘Disco Moment’ deals about cracks in the relationship and really stands out because the beats, sound and lyrics compliment each other wonderfully. Same can be said about the new single ”A New Word To Say” which has a very Pet Shop Boys feel to it, but again nicely reworked and suited in a lovely modern jacket. The Last three tracks of the album go for an intimate end but yet deliver outstanding tracks, leaving the impression that Bright Light Bright Light might well be the lovechild of Gotye and Jason Mraz (if there should ever be a lovechild), both outstanding artists who have the ability to mesmerize and touch their audiences.
It takes guts to touch upon an area of great music and manage to give it a unique twist as a debuting artist. Bright Light Bright Light has proven with his new album to be innovating and able to handle the pressure. An outstanding debut, which doesn’t fail to impress and wants to make you listen to it over and over again.
”Make Me Believe In Hope” is out now via iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and the singer’s website where you can order a signed copy of his album. You can find the link for it here
See the video for Bright Light Bright Light’s new single underneath.
