Jonny Tobin - Steppin' Out (LP)

Canadian artist Jonny Tobin’s new modern funk album “Steppin’ Out” on Austin Boogie Crew Records shines with its catchy songwriting, stellar production and synth wizardry. It kicks off with a banger of a title track featuring Daniel David of renowned group The Pendletons. This bouncy jam captures the elation of reemerging into the world after the 2020 lockdown to reconnect and dance with our loved ones.

California underground legend XL Middleton jumps on “Change It Up” to drop slick raps over a shimmering Tobin beat. XL expresses how ‘the funk gave me somethin’ to believe in’ as a sensitive soul growing up in hectic L.A. The lush bridge, virtuosic solo and epic breakdown make this tune extra fresh. Tobin links with Austin, TX group The Vapor Caves on the uptempo yet sultry “Give And Take.” Sweet vocals, rich harmonies and talkbox adlibs buoyantly float over the track’s verses until the energy swells for a jubilant chorus. On “Rock Me,” one of two instrumentals on the LP, Tobin’s grandiose chords and guest Marlon Petronio’s guitar solo make this number apt for an 80’s action film soundtrack.

The record’s second half kicks off with the addictive “Never Too Late” featuring fellow Canadian and vocal powerhouse Maya Killtron. The beautiful strings, transcendent bridge and twinkly keys lend disco-roller-rink vibes to this winner cut. Bay area crooner Rojai pines for a lover on the bumpin’ cruiser “Drive Me Wild,” bolstered by a soaring 90’s R&B influenced bridge. Tobin dips into his video game bag and belts out some amazing synth solos on instrumental head-nodder “Boombox.” Soulful dancer “Time Flies” with Mexico City duo Shiro Schwarz brings the album to its conclusion. Written with a grounded post-pandemic perspective, the sweet lyrics highlight the importance of appreciating ourselves and our loved ones as the precious years go by.