The Dunwells

You won’t find many better voices than Joseph Dunwell and when it is coupled to some fine melodies and playing you have the potential for a really enjoyable piece of music.

This 5 track EP shows the strength of the group in simplicity and emotive playing and the four original songs are definitely among the best I’ve heard this year.

Opener ‘Oh Lord’ builds from a simple opening into a full blooded ballad with subtle detailing in the accompaniment but it is Joseph’s Leeds accent and emotion that really carries the track. The remaining numbers are all acoustic but with no loss of the emotive content and on ‘I Could Be A King’ the banjo and soft drumming carries you along with a great marching rhythm. Their version of Imogen Heap’s ‘Hide And Seek’ features sumptuous harmonies against simple guitar and makes a very different rendition of a great song.

There are tinges of all sorts here from Americana through to straight pop and all touched by Celtic folk overtones and melding to a really original sound.

The four are making a big noise across the Atlantic with no less than Jay Leno featuring the band and it may well be that they become another great British band lost to the US – hopefully we will see them back soon.