Dappled Cities Fly - Granddance

I knew there was a reason why I followed this band around habitually. Dappled Cities Fly just have a knack for entertaining and they’re yet to let me down. With their second album, Granddance, they have continued this trend, producing an absolutely stunning record that puts their previous work to shame. That’s not to say their previous work wasn’t incredible, it was, but it almost sounds dull when compared with the pure exuberance of this latest effort. You could probably put this down to the production process that went into it’s making. Not only did they fly to America to record it but they enlisted the help of a couple of celebrities to produce and mix it. No doubt that helped. But I also see it as bunch of talented young guys maturing in their ability. Having been to a couple of recent live shows and warmed to the pre-released tracks (Within Hours, Fire Fire Fire) my first listen of the album was a somewhat familiar one. But despite this I was still blown away by how well the songs had been put to record. All of the energy has been captured and the sound so clean that it creates an almost eerie atmosphere. It’s sure to get your heart pumping. It also appears that the quirkiness has been toned down a bit, with lyrics no longer so blatantly outlandish. But rest assured, their charm has not been lost. This is especially true in regards to their signature twin falsettos, courtesy of lead vocalists Tim and Dave. The vocals are definitely one of Dappled Cities Fly’s finest strengths. They craft such luscious melodies that you’ll be swept up in a euphoric bliss as you try hopelessly to sing along. But despite this album’s greatness, I can’t but help but feel they can do better. I don’t mean this in a negative way, rather it feels like we’re only at the beginning of what will eventually become an illustrious career. So far their music has earned them a cult following, while the masses have remained largely indifferent. It remains to be seen whether this record will change that. But without a doubt it confirms what we loyal fans have known all along; Dappled Cities Fly are one very special band.

Holy Chord – What an opener! It gradually builds from a slow whisper to an all-out romp. There’s plenty of high-pitched goodness and it features the Tim’s rather ‘jerky’ singing style which I really enjoy.

Colour Coding – This song is another that stands out for me, plus it’s only fair to pick one of Dave’s. I really like the way it appears to jump about, rather than making gradual progressions. The keyboard is also really noticeable explaining why they needed to add a new member (Ned) on keys, to keep their live shows fluent (I do believe it isn’t actually him playing here though)

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