Dark Mean - Samuel The Phoenix
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| Dark Mean - Samuel The Phoenix |
Release Date: 25th February 2014
Well here's something a bit
different. Straight out of the blocks, these guys declared that they're not
looking for a label, they won't be going on tour and they're not even sure if
they can be bothered to have a launch gig for this new 4 track EP. I'm almost
impressed by this level of commitment to just making music for the love of
making music - it all falls down if that music turns out to be covers of
Vanilla Ice B-sides though.
Thankfully there is no sub-par
rap on display here as the Canadian trio launch in to title track, 'Samuel The
Phoenix', a country tinged stroll through golden fields of straw with a fine
woman by your side that sounds more than a little like Midlake. 'Albatross' is
not a great leap in styles from the previous track but there is something
ridiculously comforting about the shuffling drums and understated organ sound
supplemented beautifully by some well placed horns. 'High Heaven' is masterful
in its subdued beauty with every note delicately placed after the one before
like dominoes crafted from fine bone china. The appropriately named 'Last One'
finishes up the EP and, much like the rest of this collection, it could easily
soundtrack a heartrending hospital scene in some long running American TV
drama. I can see why Dark Mean are not overly concerned with the trappings of
rock'n'roll success but it's a shame because their mellow tones and attention
to melodic detail could be enjoyed by many, many more people if they were so
inclined.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dark-Mean/72929262711