Okay, let me start by declaring an interest. Dulcet Tones is four musicians who have not only been doing this for longer than they might care to admit, but each of whom I have been in a band with, or at least an idea for a band that never quite got to tread the boards. Suffice it to say that there is a lot of history for me found here.
I also like to think that I have been responsible for pushing them to greater creative heights than they might otherwise have achieved at this point in their career, merely by not taking them up on their offer to join the band and cover four-string duties, forcing them to seek out someone who could actually play the bass. A bit.
Right, with all that nepotistic and nostalgic nonsense out of the way, let me make a second declaration. I flippin’ love “Hey Now!” How could I not? It’s the perfect blend of spacious power-pop and slightly scuzzy, slightly garage-rock infused grind and groove, a beat that draws that logical line from The Beatles’ “Taxman” through The Stone Roses’ “I Am The Resurrection” (not a criticsm, there is nothing new under the sun and this only shows what great taste they have). And to cap it all off, you have Andy McLennan’s reflective and love-lorn, prophetic and poetic prose, and voice that sounds like he’s lived a life or two…or three.
As calling cards go, this debut single makes a glorious first impression, the perfect blend of delicacy and drive, space and sonic attack, muscle and melody.
Buy yourself a copy now, and get a t-shirt while you are there – they look ace!
