This single, “Sweet Release” by Tommy Ludgate is so slick, laidback and cool. It is smugness in sonic form. Even people who aren’t fond of soul music will find themselves toe-tapping along to this track in no time.

A sweet talk-box guitar solo kicks the song off in a proficient jazz/soul styling. Then a minimalist brass section rears its head underneath the solo, adding a new texture and making it sound even better.

The lyrics could be better though. The chorus consists simply of “Sweet Release” then scat singing and the occasional “Yeah”. Although the lyrical creativity may be lacking, I can’t fault the vocals themselves. The melodies sing high above the music thanks to Tommy Ludgate’s first-rate voice.

There is no B-side to this single, but when the music is this good, who the hell needs a b-side? Even when “Sweet Release” doesn’t fit in to my favoured genre, I cannot fault the song. Look out for Tommy Ludgate taking over the soul/jazz genre in the future. Being only 19, the music scene is her oyster.

http://www.myspace.com/tommyludgate