Will Joseph Cook - Sweet Dreamer

The Guardian 80

(Atlantic)

Recalling the airy indie pop of bands such as Phoenix and Vampire Weekend, Kent-born Will Joseph Cook’s debut album initially feels about a decade too late. The stuttering Alive and widescreen opener Biggest Fan seem unshakeably familiar, but as the album unravels, that familiarity morphs into something oddly comforting. The sun-blushed title track recalls sweaty indie discos, while the deliciously overwrought Habit (“I smell my clothes and think of you”) is perfect 00s teen rom-com soundtrack material. Even when the album steps out of its comfort zone, as on the playful, steel drum-assisted banger Plastic, Cook’s conviction and melodic chops keep things cohesive. It’s a flab-free, streamlined sugar rush that revels in its reference points.