Album review: DANDELION CHARM – Scream Inside The Tear

October 15th, 2023 by jason

Bandcamp [Release date 20.10.23]

Dandelion Charm, the husband and wife team consisting of Clare Fowler (vocals) and John Fowler (vocals, acoustic drums, guitars, bass, keys & producer), have seemingly been quiet release wise since releasing their excellent ‘Maybe Dreamers’ back in 2o19. On this album Dandelion Charm have really upped the whole kit & caboodle, from the wonderfully clear production through to some stunning guitar solos and vocal arrangements.

Although confronting dark subject matter, ‘Scream Inside the Tear’ contains hope as well as acceptance; the joy of living in the moment and appreciating the life we have.

One of the strengths of the album is that it takes a few spins to really gel and when it does, you can’t stop playing it! Similar to the recent RPWL album (another one to check out if you haven’t already), this is a concept album as the lyrical themes follow a circular structure reflecting the cycles of life, death and rebirth in an ongoing loop.

Picking three highlights, first we have the folky ‘Find A Way’, with its Simon & Garfunkel approved joint harmonies, crystal clear sound, this really is a classic headphones listen. Beautifully produced and performed. Next up, ‘Shouting At The Sea’, again stands out due to its soundscapes and haunting lead vocal from Clare. The music gently rises to a crescendo before fading out on soft guitar strings.

Final one of the three is ‘The Benefit of Experience’, from the heavy intro through to the stellar guitar solos (hints of Gilmour and Rothery), the song also highlights how well Clare and John’s vocals combine.

Dandelion Charm have excelled themselves on this album, keeping their folk roots and adding a lot of prog rock into the mix. If you enjoy Mostly Autumn, classic 70s era Fleetwood Mac or can imagine a female fronted Marillion (that comparison will have the prog diehards spitting their teeth out!), Dandelion Charm have hit your musical bullseye. ****1/2
Review by Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)