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Elly Roberts reviews
Sunshine Drenchy Records
- Out now
- Rating: 8/10
There must be something in the air, or maybe the sunshine.
We mustnt forget it had the same affect on Florida musicians like Gram Parsons,Allman Brothers, Mavericks and Jim Morrison.
Once again the Sunshine State produces quality pop/rock from erstwhile outfitThe Ditchflowers.
The band comprises of multi-talented core members of principal songwriter Ed Woltil(ex-Drive Thru Church/The Headlights) on guitars, keys, bass, harmonica and more,and Brian Merrill (ex-Barely Pink) whose music has been featured in broadcastsby outlets such as the XGames (ESPN) the Disney Channel and the Tokyo Broadcasting System,further consolidating their broad appeal.
Also on board are host of musical buddies such as Stan Arthur, Brian Thompson,Chuck Darling, Danny Di Pietra and Steve Robinson, contributing to various tracks.As an ensemble everything seems to click nicely, making it sound very much likea band effort.
Using a clever pop element fused with AOR, they have assembled an album that begsyou to go back for more. Their knack is not totally selling out, but retainingits sensibilities. Therefore, its time to literally get carried away andimmerse yourself in this music fest.
Calling on a penchant for Beatles-like harmonies, and a dash of Aussies CrowdedHouse to boot. It beggars belief that this album hasnt had a bigger audience.The Ditchflowers should be pushing this in the face of a big label, which I believewould bring dividends. The entire album oozes quality musicianship with wellcrafted and appealing songs.
Opening in considerable style and panache, a Tim Finn-styled acoustic-leadbeauty My Next Life – rubber stamps their credibility and intentionto make an impression from the off. And they do.
The British angle soon kicks in with a touch of music hall on Home Away From Home.Theres an element of early ’70s Bowie in there too, especially the vocal, on theplayful jaunt Walkin Back, beefed-up by some jazzy brass back-ups.
Track Boys is a dead-ringer for a solo Macca template and Since I Met Youis late Fab Four (Abbey Road) dripping close harmonies and rough edged riffs, toppedby a blistering guitar solo. In sharp contrast New Skin has shades of ’70sProg Rock, but as with everything they touch melody is at the heart of everything,and is never sacrificed here.
Lightweight rocker Sweet Mercy And Understanding has all the hallmarks ofthe contemporary Americana niche. A little bit dirty, but nice, punctuated by somesparkling guitar solos. Returning to their Beatles influences, the acoustic andclose harmony of Aunt Marie takes us back to the innocence of the mid-60s,bringing back fond memories when Lennon and Macca perfectly complimented each other onballads.
Overall, this is an excellent collection, accessible and worthy of a big audienceon both sides of the pond.
File under: Subtle radio – friendly pop / rock.
Weblinks:theditchflowers.com /sunshinedrenchy.com
The full list of tracks included are :
1. My Next Life
2. Home Away From Home
3. All The Time In The World
4. Hearts Cave In
5. Walkin Back
6. New Skin
7. Since I Met You
8. Boys
9. Sweet Mercy & Understanding
10. Aunt Marie
11. Kind Kind Kind
12. Spend My Life
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.