Dandelion Charm: Riding The Flood

Drawing comparisons to Fleetwood Mac, but without the internal drama, Dandelion Charm are the duo of Clare and John Fowler, this band very much a collaboration of music and more. Riding The Flood is a five track EP from the duo, involved yet relatable lyrical structures interwoven through deep dense progressive folk with pop sensibilities. Sharing the vocals, the couple compliment each other quite stunningly on the pensive meander of "Wraith", this song easing through the gears as it starts small and fragile before gaining in confidence and bullishness. Although like everything else presented here, in essence what Dandelion Charm do is extremely contained and concise. This is not a band prone to letting go and living life over the edge. Instead "September" relies on layers of voice and handclaps to set its tone, a deep melody underpinning a sparse framework.

In many ways the strength of this EP is also its weakness, the sheer earnestness of what's on show revealing both an authenticity that's impossible to manufacture, but one which can in places also leave everything feeling remote and austere. Where those Mac comparisons come into play is through the expert use of vocals and arrangement to build this EP's atmosphere, but what's lacking is the killer hook and unforgettable chorus that leaves you singing its refrain for days on end.

Still, with "The Spark" adding a more modern progressive edge and "Great Believer" moving a little more into an area Big Bg Train might consider home – although there's far less obvious 'Englishness' about this outfit even if they are from Newhaven – the folkier lilt feeling natural and unforced. There is indeed a lot to he charmed by on Riding The Flood and yet, like the flower they take their name from, the fragile beauty here is often in danger of being lifted far away on a gentle breeze to be forgotten as the next distant splash of colour catches the eye.

Track Listing
1. September
2. Riding The Flood
3. The Spark
4. The Great Believer
5. Wraith

Added: January 15th 2018
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Dandelion Charm online
Hits: 1952
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]