Review of Obi Best's "Capades"

Originally published in Seawanhaka, September 2008

Alex Lilly, former back-up singer for indie pop group The Bird and the Bee, performs solo under the name Obi Best for her debut album, Capades. Her sweet-sounding, feminine voice is accompanied by piano melodies, pop synth, rock guitar and drum machines.

Obi Best’s catchy pop sound hooks you in from the first song, “Nothing Can Come Between Us,” opening with a catchy piano riff that leads into an upbeat, poppy number about breaking up. The next track, “Who Loves You Now,” is softer and more melodic than the former and heavy on the synthesizer. Lilly’s voice lends itself nicely to her indie pop sound. Other slower songs like “Green and White Stripes” and “Blooms Like Flowers” share the melodic electronic style, sometimes sounding almost ethereal. Up-tempo numbers like “Swedish Boy” and “Origami” are catchy and unique, relying on drum machines and fun pop melodies.

The album is an eclectic mix of genres and styles. Obi Best borrows across pop, rock and electronica to make this unique and engaging sound. Capades is a fun and catchy album from beginning to end. Fans of the Postal Service, Stereolab, Le Tigre and the Bird and the Bee will enjoy this album.