Album review: THE DUNWELLS – Light Up The Sky

Concord Records [Release date 26.02.16]

The Dunwells debut album ‘Blind Sighted Faith’ is a firm favourite in my collection and there has been high anticipation for this follow-up. It has been a few years in the making, with the band touring and busy recording this album.

On this album they have really expanded their musical horizons. Whilst their debut was much more in the folk/Americana area, this time they have taken their exceptional vocal harmonies and added in electro pop/indie.

‘Lucky Ones’ starts the album off in style, a perfect slice of harmony filled pop. Already released as a single and easy to see why as the tune is quickly embedded into the listener’s mind. Think that’s good? Try ‘Hey Now’ one of the finest songs you will hear, a glorious mix of those vocals and subtle electronic additions/guitar nuances. ‘She Whispers’ is another one that builds slowly before the synths/piano swoop into the song. The good thing about the album is it reveals more musical treats after each play.

They have so many musical ideas packed onto this album like ‘Communicate’, with the repeated phone dial riff, or the uplifting ‘Best Is Yet To Come’. The latter is like Elbow and Mercury Rev mixed together, wonderful stuff. The lyrics come from the heart and the amount of passion the band and their guest musicians have put into these songs shows in these songs.

It has been worth the wait. An album of the year as the Dunwells have even exceeded their excellent debut and you really need to listen to this one folks. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)