Music Review: Look So Good, Hopetoun Brown

Nick Atkinson and Tim Stewart of Hopetoun Brown.

A bubbly reggae groove connects almost immediately courtesy of vibrant bass clarinet and accentuated brass musings on lead-off track Own It.

As Nick Atkinson sings ... It won't be long 'til you own it he is right on the money.

Following the release of their debut album Burnin' Fuse just over a year ago, Hopetoun Brown are back and fuelled by more adventurous tones.

Award-winning country artist Tami Neilson duets with Tim Stewart on the stompin' and melodic I Hate That I Don't Love You.

Its feel screams out for a live rendition and with a national tour set to begin later this month, it is bound to be a show stopper.

With a percussive undercurrent and falsetto-type vocals atop, the reggae-flavoured Long Time Ago is given an added boost with the inclusion of vocals from Marlon Williams.

While some bands always dread their debut follow-up, Hopetoun Brown have approached this new recording with a maturity and confidence that has allowed them to open up and incorporate other artists.

From funk to hip hop influences and rousing trumpets, it all combines to make this album exciting, hot and tasty.

- Hopetoun Brown are set to deliver a live performance featuring cuts from Look So Good and their debut album Burnin' Fuse at Hamilton's Nirvana Lounge on Friday, November 18.