I’ve given these a listen before but never really followed it through with repeated attention. It’s only now I’m hearing them again as a friend who is in the band promoted their new Facebook page. Formerly Joseph & David, the outfit have decided that a change of name is required to match their evolution as a band. I’m not entirely sure how to classify the sound – it definitely borrows a lot from folk but I wouldn’t go as far as to say that they are an outright folk band. Whatever it is, it’s an impressively accomplished sound for a relatively small band. I’m eager to stay clear of making direct comparisons because I can imagine as a band it must be disheartening to see your work labelled as a clone of some bigger, already established artist. I think fans of the ‘popular folk-rock’ scene (stupid term – you know what I mean) that has seen the rise of Mumford & Sons and Noah & the Whale will be impressed. ‘Falling Wood’ (which can be heard below) builds slowly with gentle vocals and piano to numerous sing-a-long crescendos reminiscent of Typhoon. Similarly ‘Borderline’ meanders along before whipping up to a delightfully cathartic ending. the title track ‘Rise Up The Sun’ is a fantastic closing song that brings to mind Beirut.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/26371055″]
I think the change of name (and the impending end of university life) indicates that Dancing Years will be stepping up a gear in the near future and I am looking forward to hear what they do next. There are a number of releases available on their Bandcamp page to keep you occupied in the meantime.
– Jon –