Sweet William EP
Release date: 30/11/2009
Nearly two years have passed since the release of A Larum, Johnny Flynn’s critically acclaimed debut album that left woolly-jumper-wearing-types nationwide, myself included, thirsty for more.
In those two years we have seen some dramatic changes within the music industry. Folk-influenced bands such as Mumford and Sons and Broken Records have quite quickly moved their way into a section of the mainstream, and their success has opened a window of opportunity for followers. With expectations high, Sweet William is Johnny Flynn’s first chance to see if he can still hold his own amongst this new wave of Folk.
‘The Mountain is burning’ starts the EP on familiar territory. Flynn’s distinctive voice and clever guitar work combine charmingly as always although, aided by an impressive new string and brass accompaniment, Flynn has developed a more elegant, layered sound, deeper than any of his work prior.
Despite the warming familiarity of the EP (which will be very appealing for the cold winter nights to come), it offers little signs of advances musically. Kept neatly in his comfort zone and with the Folk music scene steadily gaining momentum, I was left questioning whether Johnny Flynn is kicking leaves from a forgotten time.
5/10
By Andy Farrington
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