Vidorra, Water - album review

It's hard at times to work out whether Stafford's Vidorra is 100 per cent serious with some of the content on this record - or if he is completely taking the Michael.

But that is the album's biggest endearing quality.

The former The Ticket Unsigned page star only released his debut You Matter last summer, later releasing follow-up You Matter Too. Then, Worldwide Love was released in January this year. And he found time to release a second record for 2019 in February - Viddy Viddy.

Now we have Water, and all tracks have been produced, written, recorded, mixed and mastered by Vidorra - real name Chanakya Kathuria - except for the song Tenderness, which was produced and mixed by J Rich.

The fun factor has been ramped up to 11 on this mini-record featuring seven tracks of big beats, scattered lyrics and zany breakdowns.

Perhaps the best tracks are the early runners that his brother Guglu provides guest vocals for.

Cheesecake takes a little while to kick in from its distorted openings, but when it does uplifting melodies carry both vocalists until the booming bass of the chorus breaks out to alter course altogether.

Those bass effects are back for Another Plate, but this time star throughout. This is the best track on the record with its fun-time funky feel as Vidorra and Guglu spar with each other over the top. And this is where the serious nature comes under question. It's not a criticism, it makes for entertaining listening from start to finish.

Things slow down a little from there.

The title track has more of a stadium anthem feel to it, and that chiming melody that dances through the instrumentals and later choruses is a master-stroke. It ingrains itself in your mind like the thickest of earworms, and you'll be humming it for hours later.

There's a return to big beats in Myself - with its lyrics seemingly questioning Vidorra's role in music. He loses himself at times with speedy deliveries that fall into an almost wordless splutter. But like before, it adds to the effect of the song in delivering its message.

The album doesn't always work, but its imperfections make you like it even more. There's no preening and hiding behind production, it's just balls-out honesty from start to finish which can only be admired.

Rating: 6/10