Album Track Review: Dance Like A Sea Anemone - Captain Festus McBoyle

 

Captain Festus McBoyle and his motley crew are a band on a mission who have been bringing their own particular brand of musical mayhem to appreciative audiences for almost a decade. The music is both melodic and whimsical, and despite the alarming sense of chaos, this is family entertainment at its absolute best. The band have already received multiple music awards, including finalists in the International Songwriting Competition, which is some achievement. 

The band's latest album, Look Wot the Cat Dragged In, contains fifteen original songs of considerable depth, humour and imagination. With highlights including the sprightly "Lockdown Ditty", the reggae influenced "Seaweed Song", the enchanting "Ode to the Universe",  and the somewhat melancholy "Bubble", there really is something for everyone here. 

The absolute standout for me is "Dance Like a Sea Anemone" a fabulous three chord ditty guaranteed to cheer you up on the darkest of days. It's almost impossible to stay sitting down when you hear this song, such is its breathtaking energy and potent execution. 

The song clearly benefits from a lively upbeat rhythm and is delivered with breathtaking energy. The verse is quite sparse with drums, bass and acoustic guitar dominating the sound. The pre-chorus introduces a distorted guitar adding further dynamics along with a reciprocal vocal which is very effective. The chorus also includes a distorted guitar as we are encouraged to 'dance like a sea anemone'.

The middle eight takes the pace down a notch before really launching back into the chorus with incredible gusto. Despite the lighthearted approach the vocal delivery reminded me a little of the legendary Steve Harley in his prime. The music finally comes to a grinding halt with a magnificent power chord providing the musical backdrop over a brief tribute to Chris Knox, who appears to have been something of a hero to the Captain.

All in all a wonderful song, highly melodic, engaging and easy to dance to, one of many wonderful songs from this album, which takes you on a musical journey unlike anything you have ever heard.

Captain Festus McBoyle - rollicking fun for all the family.

Album Review: Aqua Phonic - Marko Polo

Mark Pagano, also known as Marko Polo, is a singer-songwriter and teaching artist from St Louis, Missouri. His catchy tunes and intriguing themes have enabled him to connect with families throughout the world. Mark has also amassed a considerable amount of media coverage over the years, and deservedly so, as he is one of the hardest working musicians in the genre.

"Aqua Phonic" is his second release as a solo artist, and as the title suggests features amongst other things a range of songs celebrating the impact water has on our overall wellbeing. Essentially a concept album, where we get to "Follow the Water" on an intriguing journey of melody and imagination.

The opening track "We Are Water" is fairly funky, with bass and drums sparring with an electric piano in true seventies fashion. The groove is infectious, with perhaps shades of Steely Dan on display, as the lyrics highlight the importance of water with an almost scientific expertise. The main appeal of the song lies in its anthemic chorus a real standout, effectively informing a sceptical populace as to how 'we've got to respect it'. 

"Axolotl" describes this extraordinary amphibian in all its glory with a sound somewhat reminiscent of the Pixies, with its driving bass line and Kim Deal type harmonies.  The lyrics elaborate on both the appearance and wellbeing of this salamander, with the chorus belted out with as catchy a refrain as you are ever likely to hear.

If any of you goths out there are wondering, the answer is no, "Sirenia" doesn't refer to the innovative rock band from Norway, but instead describes this interesting mammal that inhabits 'an ocean of possibilities'. The song has more of a reggae feel, but this time speeded up with a tight percussive bass and drums providing the necessary space for the jabbing keyboard to really cut through.

The artist then transports us to the "Bottom Of The Ocean", where we get to hear about creatures that 'glow in the darkness'. Again, the rhythm is quite tight and percussive with inspired lyrics that help us experience 'the glow in your soul'. A very original song that floats in and out of your conscious mind, mesmerising the listener with cool expertise.

"Coral" is quite dreamy and almost psychedelic in its approach. Introducing a clean guitar, and the type of sound effects that beautifully capture this dreamlike scene. This time, we get to hear descriptive verse in true poetic fashion, where the word coral is sung repeatedly amongst an array of instrumentation that delights the senses throughout. 

"Walrus Sings" in true Beach Boys style, features scintillating harmonies alongside an 'unforgettable melody' and a driving bass line. Sharp, succinct and to the point, the song also features a sweeping lead vocal which glides across the track providing the required singalong hook. Marvellous!

"Follow The Water" does exactly that, as we get to embark on this musical journey, where an eighties sounding drum pattern propels the song forward as the music glistens and shines in true aquatic style. About half way through the arrangement we are treated to the arrival of the sublime vocals of Claudia Robin Gunn adding further charming overtones to the song. The song has a nice laid-back groove, with an acoustic guitar taking centre stage, as the music ebbs and flows in a kind of exotic flourish.

Last but by no means least, "Drip Drop" glitters and sparkles throughout, with its clean guitar, bouncy rhythm, and crystal clear vocals. The somewhat restless arrangement continues to surprise as the music shifts in different directions throughout the song. The music further benefits from an infectious melody, adding a certain cerebral and intoxicating charm throughout.

An interesting album, where the artist manages to transport the listener into a dreamlike state, where the unfathomable power of water is relished and celebrated in true poetic style. The musical approach reminded me a little of one of my favourite Australian bands Spikey and Friends, who made just one seminal album before sadly disappearing. Marvellous work throughout, I look forward to hearing more from this superb artist in the future.

Marko Polo - a drop in the ocean.

Flash Album Review: One Million Dillions - Angie Who

Who exactly is Angie Who? Good question. Even after carefully scrutinising the artist's website the answer to that question still remains something of a mystery. I did manage to ascertain though that she is a Sydney-based singer-songwriter and creator of family music. It seems Angie is somewhat reluctant to talk about herself; preferring to let her music do the talking. A refreshing approach in this day and age.

I however, was fortunate enough to receive a pre-release copy of her forthcoming album "One Million Dillions", and it certainly didn't disappoint. Drawing on a range of influences including traditional jazz, blues and country she has created a sound that is nothing short of remarkable.

The standout track for me is "Hey Shadow", which features a beautiful melody, exquisite musicianship, and lyrics which complement the song superbly. Here, the artist reflects on the whereabouts of her shadow like she's referring to an old friend. The music incorporates what sounds like a pedal steel guitar, an intricate banjo and sweeping harmonies throughout. The bass and drums close the deal, providing the necessary power and space to lift all the other instruments. Brilliant!

I have it on good authority that the title track "One Million Dillions" was inspired by none other than the artist's son, who came up with this infinite number as a young boy. The arrangement is superb here, with the blend of instrumentation creating the necessary tension for the chorus to really explode. Certainly one for the purists, a real singalong that wouldn't sound out of place on a Joni Mitchell album.

I've always loved the ballad "Catch A Falling Star", and the somewhat gentle approach of the artist on display here certainly does the song justice. Here minimalism is the order of the day, where the instruments on display, provide a vessel for the sweet wine of the lead vocals to emerge. The artist has a truly outstanding voice, and this song really shows it off in its best light.

I can honestly say I've never come across a song that celebrates the importance of "Laces", but here we are. A slightly tongue-in-cheek ditty that informs the listener of an early morning ritual, before we are instructed to 'tie our laces up'. A very endearing song, where an accordion and mandolin exploit the triple meter rhythm to serve up something really special.

There are many other wonderful songs on the album, including, the jazzy laid back "Whaddaya Say", the high energy "Train Is Coming" and the wonderful "Nursery Rhyme Mash", where a selection of familiar nursery rhymes are blended together with seamless expertise. Here a jaunty rhythm carries the day, as the familiar lyrics are reworked to create this mini masterpiece. 

All in all a superb album from a very exciting artist, who has made serious headway of late. She can already boast over 80,000 monthly Spotify listeners and deservedly so. Angie Who is an artist who manages to charm her audience through seductive melodies, haunting vocals and highly dexterous musicianship. She has created a unique and original sound that the whole family can sing along to. I look forward to hearing more from her in the future, and if you, dear reader, would like to hear more from this emerging artist, her new album is out on 18th August, so do yourself a favour and get streaming.

Angie Who - heart and soul.

Single Review: Bring On Summer - Dana's Music Playground

Dana is an artist who has been recording and performing music for over two decades. In that time she has released seven albums and received numerous awards in the process, as well as critical acclaim from musicians, educators and parents across the globe. 

"Bring On Summer" is her latest release; a song that is absolutely guaranteed to cheer you up, with its delightful portrayal of the imminent arrival of summer. The music is upbeat, melodic and cheerful, and charmingly assisted by the delightful backing vocals on the chorus. I'd be interested to know who her influences are, but I'll take a stab in the dark that maybe the Bangles meet the Go-Go's might not be too far off the mark. The song also features an accompanying video which transports the listener from the coldest to the warmest of days, and does so in fine style.

The musicality of the song is superb throughout, beginning with an explosive guitar riff followed by a sublime vocal and some serious expertise delivered on the keyboard, where a honky-tonk piano drifts in and out of the song adding further melody. The bass and drums power away in the background with a pulsing bass line superbly complementing a hypnotic drum beat. 

The lyrics really capture the enthusiastic vision of the song as we are informed now 'it's time to jump out of school and into the pool', because ultimately 'summer days are cool'. Here we celebrate everything that's enjoyable about summer whether that involves picnics,  kites, ice cream or even trips to the zoo, because there's so much more to do on those long summer days.

This is a great pop song that is sure to get your feet tapping in this brave new world where we can all let go, sing, dance and enjoy the summer without a care in the world. Dana has managed to deliver a song that delights in the pure simplicity of the message. Summer is here, isn't it great and let's all have fun in the process. Don't let this one get away, I can't think of a better way to celebrate the summer than grooving along to this fabulous song.

Dana - summer love sensation.