Howl Griff
– Fragile Diamond (Dockrad)
Following their eponymous, Welsh language debut, they
switched to English for its follow up, 2010’s “The Hum”. Whatever their chosen
tongue, they’ve been lauded and supported by BBC Radio DJs Tom Robinson and
Lauren Laverne (the latter described them as “bloody lush”). Now Howl Griff
swing into 2013 with “Fragile Diamond”.
The Anglo-Welsh-American psychedelic rockers (their
words) take a fuzzy ‘70s style rock as their centrepiece into which they etch
hook-laden melodies, titillate with ‘60s inspired keys and endear with
summer-drenched harmonies.
Theirs is a varied palette and as such it seems to
draw influence from a wide variety of sources. It’s easy to hear shades of
Barclay James Harvest (“Puppet Operation Time”) here and a touch of Cream (“Everything”)
there.
The title track is an absolute classic which recalls
the more upbeat side of both Belle & Sebastian and Lindisfarne, “Radio
Revolution” has an arena sized folk rock sound, “Meet My Maker” majestically
tells of singer Hywel Griffiths’ experience of going blind whilst driving in
the fast lane on the M4 and “International Dateline” is heartfelt indie-pop
magic.
Willsk
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