Fyfe Dangerfield, London Scala
The Guillemot holds an intriguing weirdness about him. It’s endearingly quirky.
Scruffy charmer Fyfe Dangerfield pleases the packed London Scala. Busy promoting new album 'Fly Yellow Moon', the Guillemots man pours his soul out to the Kings Cross crowd. Aiming his guitar like a modern day cherub armed with a bow and arrow, Fyfe has upset on the mind and his heart on his sleeve.
Birmingham born Dangerfield wrote his latest piece of music thrust in the middle of a loving relationship and a messy heartbreak, which becomes apparent once the music starts. Most songs are skinned and taken back to basics for the evening, relying on Fyfe and his guitar or a collection of strings; a Fyfe Dangerfield Unplugged, if you will.
The Guillemot holds an intriguing weirdness about him. It’s endearingly quirky, almost Thom Yorke-like in individuality. His voice stands alone. It is instantly recognisable, tender and beautiful in equal measure, and grabs your attention by the scruff of the neck. 'Faster Than The Setting Sun' is thoroughly impressive, beating along with bite and brooding intensity. Fan favourite and new single 'She Needs Me' is the liveliest track from the new album, and of the night. It's a grown up pop song with a deeper sincere side, festering below the surface; a clear crowd pleaser. Much like the final song 'Made Up Love Song #44', a more than welcome jump back to the Guilletmots' debut album 'Through The Windowpane', the venue is joined in song tied by the laces of familiarity.
Unfortunately there is an inescapable issue with an album like 'Fly Yellow Moon' being played acoustically. Some songs swing the window so wide open into his soul, that they loosen the hinges of the evening, leaving an almost uncomfortable shuffling of feet. 'High On The Tide', 'Livewire' and 'Barricades' are all truly beautifully touching songs, following the footsteps of the forever wonderful Jeff Buckley in places, but you’re left wondering if you can enjoy them all in one sitting. Much like a friend who’s been grieving over an ex a little too long, at times you can tire of the sentiment.
Although, there’s no doubt that 'Fly Yellow Moon' is a brave, soul baring album that should see the singer take the next step to a bigger success. Fyfe Dangerfield is a great songwriter on the top of his game but his music, unfortunately, saps the energy out of what could have been an exciting gig. Fyfe is clearly a lively guy, but many of his tracks leave no option but to force the room into a casually dressed Terracotta Army.
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