Reviews roundup – Judy Dyble vs. Josienne Walker & Ben Walker vs. Carousel Vertigo vs. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
JUDY DYBLE
Flow And Change
Gonzo Multimedia 2013
It’s only a few months since I reviewed the reissue of 2009s “Talking With Strangers”, saying “expect the unexpected, then prepare yourself for something even more unexpected”. And here’s the follow up, which is a direct descendant thus nullifying the previous statement. Because it’s all very expected, folk-rock into prog-rock into goodness who knows what rock. But very good.
The missing surprise really doesn’t matter as Ms Dyble and her collaborators, including producer and co-writter Alistair Murphy, along with Matt Malley (Counting Crows), Julianne Regan (All About Eve), Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson) and Mike Mooney (Spiritualized) have done a bang up job.
Don’t come here if you’re looking for flash bang wallop thrills, but if you want to take the time to reflect upon things said and unsaid in a stately, regal, yet emotional manner then this is the place for you. Granted, there are a couple of uber hippy moments that get my trigger fingy itchy, but this is the kind of thing that gave music a good name back in ye olde days. Ms Dyble is sounding better than ever, and if you’re looking for something that’s been missing from music, then this is a good place to start.
JOSIENNE CLARKE & BEN WALKER
Fire & Fortune
Navigator 2013
Josienne Clarke would probably be more than happy to be seen in the company of Judy Dyble, as she happily namechecks Sandy Denny, Linda Thompson, and June Tabor among her influences. So you won’t be surprised to learn that this third release sees them performing traditional rock tinged folk.
But it’s very good. The big selling point is the fantastic voice of Ms Clarke, which could probably sing anything and sound good. The songs are split between originals and trad arrs, with the old school ‘The Seasons’ and ‘Green Grow The Laurels’ just about the best folk tunes you’ll hear this year. Even ‘My Love is Like A Red Red Rose’ is taken off into a new dimension.
The instrumentation and the melodies are absolutely sublime, and this is a record to savour.
CAROUSEL VERTIGO
Mighty
Cargo 2013
Junkyard CD? Check. Rhino Bucket CD? Check. Gravelly voiced singer? Check. Bagful of Powerage into Highway To Hell riffs? Check. Well. that’s me taken care of, and the rest of you can sod right off.
I’ve always find it odd that only one band was allowed to be AC/DC. I mean, there are plenty of doom metal groups, hunnerds of Euro metal bands that sound like Judas Priest and / or Dio. But try using an Acca Dacca riff and the hammer will fall. Me? My second favourite AC/DC album ever is “One Vice At A Time” by Krokus. That’s how little I care.
And here are the latest worshippers at the altar and, my, they make a mighty fine noise. If you’ve arrived early at a Status Quo show over the last few years you may have stumbled upon them as they honed their boogie rock. And you certainly wouldn’t have missed the howl of vocalist Vincent Martinez. There are oddles of duelling guitars, some top notch tunes like ‘Mighty Good Women’ and ‘I’m Your Man’ and even a tune (‘3rd Degree’) co-written by Quo bass player Rhino Edwards.
I had a rockin’ good time, and I’m sure you will too, if you yearn for some heads down, no nonsense boogie.
SOMEONE STILL LOVES YOU BORIS YELTSIN
Fly By Wire
Polyvinyl 2013
Seriously. Could that name be more arty and farty. You can tell right off they’re going to be some angsty indie band, full of minor keys and sixth form poetry. And they are. But with some added seventies 10cc and ELO. To be fair, they should have packed it in after they were invited to appear at The Yeltsin Foundation sponsored Old New Rock Festival in Yekaterinburg, Russia earlier this year. Because that was as good as its going to get.
But instead they headed back to America to record this, their fourth LP. To its credit, it’s quite a summery and up album, with some pop melodies shining through in places, especially on the likes of ‘Nightwater Girlfriend’ and ‘Young Presidents’. Elsewhere, it’s a bit dull and indie by numbers with ‘Cover All Sides’ and ‘Lucky Young’ the main offenders. But then they go and pull out a gem like ‘Bright Leaves’, and you almost forgive them.
As indie goes, it’s not bad, and there is a good EP tucked away here.
Josienne Clarke
The Rocker 