Released: 28 May 2021
Rating ***
Loy Hayter shines bright on her solo debut ‘Private Sunshine’.
The slick LP is the star’s first since departing New Young Pony Club (NYPC), housing a host of recent singles and showcasing her skill as a writer and ear for a killer hook.
Across 10 tracks, she seamlessly layers electronic beats and clean vocals into a glossy soundscape that proves irresistible on first listen.
Five of the tracks – Cherry on Top, My Baby Just Cares for Me, Private Sunshine, Time Out of Mind and Telephone – were previously issued as singles and have been playlist staples over the past 12 months.
But although half of the album was out already, it’s the new tracks that shine here, with fifth track Cold Feet – the first non-single we hear – proving instantly refreshing.
It’s a similar story throughout; the overtly ‘80s Still Dreaming is an understated delight, while What’s a Girl to Do? has a clear Madonna influence.
Pinball, the album’s closing track, shows off a moodier side to Lou’s sound that surely has to be explored in future projects.
It’s a shame, then, that the top end of the album is so heavy with pre-release cuts, with a 15 minute wait for new music.
‘Private Sunshine’ is good with moments of greatness that, if explored further, have the potential to propel Lou Slayter up the charts.
‘Private Sunshine’ is out now digitally with a Vinyl edition due September 24.
