Hollie Cook’s second album, conveniently entitled Twice, sees her foray into both the UK and international markets continue. Treating listeners to what Cook herself calls “tropical pop reggae dub”, the record resoundingly contains all four of these elements, and more.
Produced by long-time collaborator Prince Fatty (on whose work Cook has sung since Survival of the Fattest), the album’s beats manage to incorporate snatches of cinematic strings, darker clubby sounds and throwback, retro moments. Cook’s singing is sometimes slight, but always melodic and fits the situations in which she finds herself. Guests include Dennis Bovell, Omar, George Dekker and Winston Francis.
Fatty’s production is well-tooled and convincing, and on cuts like the rolling “Desdemona”, the sweet vacation vibes of “Tiger Balm”, and the steel pans of “Postman”, Cook manages to both beguile and enforce her individuality. An album whose appeal grows with repeated listens.