Dry the River: Weights & Measures EP

Fronted by medical student Peter Liddle, East London five-piece Dry the River were never destined to be a simplistic musical project. In replace of minimalist chord patterns and generic indie-pop hooks, we are presented with complex layered harmonies that crescendo to anthemic choruses.

The desperately impassioned "Weights & Measures" from which the EP takes its name, carries with it a hymnal solemnity. Simultaneously depressing and curiously cathartic, there is an undeniable touch of Bon Iver in the subtle darkness of lyrics such as, ‘I was prepared to love you and never expect anything of you’.

Dry the River’s dramatically intense style can at times verge on the overly grandiose, an element guaranteed to divide critics. "Bible Belt" however, provides a soporific contrast to the theatrical, recorded in an acoustic session and hence lacking that often-superficial studio polish. A lullaby of ‘wintry calm’, this track is a poignant elegy to the lost fire of youth.

Covering Josh T. Pearson’s beautiful "Thou Art Loosed", the quintet arguably detract from the intimacy of the original. They do so artistically however, as the echoing harmonious round of ‘don’t cry for me babe, you’ll learn to live without me’ creates a quasi-transcendental effect, reminiscent of a candelight vigil or séance. The closing motif of ‘I’m off to save the world’ could well be dubiously bombastic in many cases; with Dry the River you find yourself hypnotically believing every word.

There are dazzling moments on this EP that present Dry the River as a band desiring to escape genre restrictions and expectations. However, whilst a sense of aching urgency is often most powerful when suppressed, they at times risk emotionally saturating their listeners. "Bible Belt" for instance, begins beautifully yet lacks the magical lustre heard on "Family Tree", perhaps because it fails to reach the climax anticipated throughout.

The highlights, for the most part, dominate this record’s relatively few weaknesses, proving that the time has surely come for Dry the River to quit flirting with EPs and make that first album move. They’ve no need to fear rejection; we’re already seduced.


Dry the River's official music video for "Weights & Measures"

Originally published by The Harker: www.theharker.com/2011/11/22/music-dry-the-rivers-weights-and-measures/

Ben Howard graces Newcastle’s Riverside with his spirited Devonshire folk-pop

Surf-kid by day, singer-songwriter by night, Ben Howard confirmed at his recent Newcastle gig that he has captured the musical hearts of Britain. Due to illness, he was not his usual talkative self on stage, yet this far from threatened the audience engagement he strived for and successfully achieved. Confident enough to rely on his evident talent for infectious hooks and instrumental improvisation, he appeared an unpretentious figure, instantly endearing and likeable. Irresistibly rhythmic finger-picking and wavering female harmonies washed over the welcoming crowd as they hungrily surged closer.

Hailing from Totnes, South Devon, Howard’s parents had a strong influence over his musical development, the soundtrack to his childhood consisting of the legendary likes of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. Currently signed to Communion and Island Records (the latter due to its history with Nick Drake and John Martyn), his debut album Every Kingdom was released in October to widespread acclaim.

Howard’s humble reverence for natural beauty resonates from tracks brimming with imagery of water, wildflowers and, of course, wolves. His melodic vocals are, however, often caramelised with an illusive cheeriness. Addressing much deeper, darker themes than a first listen may suggest, "The Fear" and "Black Flies" both address the painful experience of losing someone you love.

Yet Howard’s lyrics do not merely weep melancholic doom and despair. Just as the unassuming 23-year old risked losing the full attention of those feeling a little dampened, his ability to sense a crowd’s reaction triggered a shift towards the upbeat and positive. Latest single "Keep Your Head Up", an optimistic anthem of self-empowerment, saw the eager Newcastle fans snap back freshly focused on the performance.

Closing an atmospherically charged set with the evocative "The Wolves", Howard bid goodnight to a rammed Riverside venue already excitedly anticipating his return next February.

Ben Howard plays "Keep Your Head Up" by the sea, naturally.

Originally published by Palatinate: http://www.palatinate.org.uk/?p=16860