A Larum

This one sounds both fresh and dusty. Dusty in the sense that it evokes old folk traditions from the Isles with a dense compact sounds that feels desolate around the edges, almost like a village. But its also fresh and new with its beyond the sea approach, adding a dash of Americana to the mix.

It belongs in the 2000s "stomp clap hey" revival of folk, and while I do despise the likes of Of Mice and Men, Mumford & Sons, and to an extent Fleet Foxes (though their sound is a twilight version of the whole thing), Johnny Flynn's sound rises beyond them, mostly due to the single man approach, with the backing band doing what they're supposed to be doing: backing the guy. Oh, and Johnny embracing a delicate version of folk, far from the bombast of the formerly mentioned bands.

His songwriting is beautiful, and varied in approach, thanks to his background as an actor, particularly a stage actor. And the backing band flows well too. They do the moody ambiance well and are quite adept in bringing in a lively atmosphere. I'm glad I was recommended this album, because it shed down a bit of the animosity I had towards the stupid (yes, I'm still holding a grudge against it) direction folk took.

Literature, philosophy, theater, poetry, and current events all meet in Flynn's songwriting, here in his debut, the moment his voice transforms from a mere player on the stage to the maker of the music off-stage that draws everyone's attention. Albeit briefly? Well, we fans of Flynn hope not! We hope this "alarum" of his debut musical expression impressed the ear of people who like a bit of wistful, melodic folk with their morning coffee. Let the sunshine in, and don't be afraid of a dramatic entrance.