Album Review: Willie J Healey, Bunny

Impressive soul-funk from English contender

On album opener 'Woke Up Smiling', Willie J. Healy performs a wicked sleight of hand. One minute he is striding through George Harrison territory, familiar from Twin Heavy, his last record, which ensnared big kahuna fans like Alex Turner, Orlando Weeks and Joe Talbot of IDLES. The next, soulful harmonies kick in, and we're in soul-funk country, reminiscent of Midnite Vultures era Beck. Sure, it happens that when people first listen to Sly & The Family Stone, they may perhaps change their duds, their hairstyle and their footwear, but Willie J. Healy transforms his entire musical approach. It's a thing of wonder.

Healey says he felt a tad like Brian Wilson leading a Wrecking Ball-style crew, such was the calibre of musicians assembled for Bunny, including big hitters who had worked with Lana Del Rey, Beck and Arctic Monkeys. He may have to get used to it - after he goes out on the road with Florence + The Machine this autumn, Healey is likely to ascend to the big league.

Interestingly, Healey credits a lesser-known Bowie record, The Gouster - a previously unreleased album, that featured on the 2016 boxset Who Can I Be Now? (1974-76) - as the major influence on the album. However, this is less disco and more pure soul, with 'Chrome' the dawn walk home from the club. Overall, a terrific effort.