Much is made of the detrimental effect that American culture has on modern society - but you've got to admit, it comes in handy in some ways, too. OK, so maybe it means that a percentage of telly addict kids from Blackrock to Brisbane now speak with a twang best suited to a character from The OC - but at least when it comes to music, the institutional genres of soul and r 'n' b are (often, not always) a positive influence.
Granted, such a stereotype doesn't really apply to Sam Sparro, anyway. Although his formative years were spent in Sydney, Australia, the man born Sam Falson relocated to Los Angeles as a child, so it's little wonder that his sound is infused with a slick LA cool. What is surprising, however, is the 23-year-old's voice; rich, robust and full of depth, it's arguably the product of a childhood spent drinking in American culture, listening to his soul-singing, gospel minister father, or his vast collection of soul records -or perhaps all of the above.
Sparro's eponymous debut is essentially a collection of electro-soul, pop and dance tracks that all hinge on that great voice, around which subtle flavours, influences and nuances make themselves known at various intervals. Opening track Too Many Questions streamlines the same funky sway that Terence Trent D'Arby once perfected; 21st Century Life twangs and zips like a Prince remix, while Hot Mess channels a falsetto-practising Al Green. Yet, there's also a modernity about Sam Sparro that makes it accessible to so many. Chart-mithering single Black and Gold is a perfect example - its catchy, spacey funk sounding like a cross between Gnarls Barkley and incidental music from Doctor Who - as is the slouchy, finger-clicking groove of Cottonmouth.
There may not be any real standout here, but it's hard to pick a favourite from a group of songs that are of a well-spread high quality. If there's going to be a soundtrack to a sizzling summer, Sam Sparro's indubitably the man to provide it.
