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.