Dunwells
(Playing in Traffic Records)
For relative newcomers, Brit brothers David and Joseph Dunwell, cousins Jonny Lamb and Rob Clayton, and pal Dave Hanson already appear quite proficient, given a debut album that confidently blends Celtic, Americana and roots influences, while peppering it all with ample doses of Crosby Stills and Nash-style sentiment. Theirs is a sound that's frequently been passed down the pike, one that breeds familiarity even as it inspires a pleasant nod of satisfaction.
With veteran producer John Porter at the helm, they've managed to hew this approach towards an instantly engaging aesthetic, one borne of lush, billowy harmonies and tender, forlorn musings. Their steadfast sincerity and quiet confidence creates a compelling blend, and songs like "I Could Be King" and the stirring "Blindsighted Faith" ring with instant authority. The assertive stomp of "Hand That Feeds" gives way to mostly gentler options, twilight ballads such as "Oh Lord," "Goodbye My City," "I Want To Be" and "Perfect Timing" which keep the album mainly preoccupied with circumspect and the plaintive twins pleas of yearning and desire. Having been chosen the break-put band at last year's Folk Alliance in Memphis, they now have ample impetus to take that next step forward, and with Blind Sighted Faith as the point of departure, all future efforts have the potential to garner nothing less than elevated anticipation.
DOWNLOAD: "I Could Be a King," "Blindsighted Faith" LEE ZIMMERMAN
