Rarely do we get a CD with an opening track that sounds like it’s been recorded at a holiday resort in the Caribbean. But Ben Godwin sent us such a CD, a three track sample for ‘=shinyshiny=’. ‘Peace Mango’ has a very Jamaican vibe to it- from the beat to the arrangement and on to the upbeat, feel good atmosphere created by the music. You can’t help but smile and feel like the sun is shining brightly even though it is actually a bloody freezing and windy day in Leeds. 
The other couple of tracks, ‘Hungry Ghost’ and ‘Superhero’, are more like what we are used to here at HA HQ with acoustic guitars and indie arrangements which are a cross breeding of Paul Weller, Turin Brakes and a little David Gray. Except, once again, Ben infuses the songs with an optimistic and upbeat mood that makes you feel good inside without ever slipping into something cringe worthy and saccharine.
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Full of some fine folksy, acoustic orientated balladry and up-beat vibes. The quirky and up-beat groove of ‘Peace Mango’ wouldn’t sound out of place in an Adam Sandler rom-com, but don’t let this put you off. It is a great summer tune and one that could quite happily brighten up any afternoon barbeque when spirits are high and the day job is a distant memory. Superb vocals, great guitar playing, drumming and harmonica all add up to make for a great tune. 

‘Hungry Ghost’ takes things down a notch or two. Certainly not in quality, but certainly in mood. Very much the right side of melancholy, it is a far deeper affair but still unlikely to send you to sleep or slit your wrists! ‘Superhero’ has elements of Ben Folds Five lurking throughout with a guitar solo straight from the mind of Brian May!! Crank up loud and while away the summer evenings…
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Brilliant, makes me smile whenever I hear it.
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