Review
When I think of "Smooth Big Cat," the first thing that comes to mind is the warmth and laid-back vibe that just radiates from those sun-kissed, bluesy soundscapes. Angus Stone's got a keen ear for crafting atmospheric music that wraps around you like a cozy blanket, and this album's got it in spades. It's like cruising down some quiet coastal highway, with that dual-layered guitar action and basslines that are smooth as molasses, all wrapped up in a sonic stew that's just ripe with reverb. Even the title track itself, "Smooth Big Cat," takes its sweet time building up steam before exploding into this hypnotic groove that's almost as warm as a midsummer evening in Byron Bay, where these tracks were laid down.
So if DOPE LEMON's "Smooth Big Cat" is your cup of tea, you're in for a real treat - it's like you're sipping on some sweet nectar that just doesn't want to fade away after the music stops. Tracks blend seamlessly into each other, and you can almost smell the saltwater in the distance, even when the tempo's not exactly right for swaying hips, you're gonna find yourself movin' to the rhythm without even realizing it. The way Angus and co. mesh retro influences with modern touches is just something special - it's like they took a page right out of history books, immersed it in the present day, and cranked up the reverb to create this infectious blend of the '60s and the now. Stone's Byron Bay studio definitely played a role in shaping this masterpiece - there's just this inherent sense of comfort in every note and chord, like we're listening to a private performance, straight from the studio to you. - Jackson
