noah and the whale Archives - Various Small Flames https://varioussmallflames.co.uk/tag/noah-and-the-whale/ New and independent music Tue, 14 Apr 2015 18:46:50 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/varioussmallflames.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/cropped-finalwhite-e1490809629909-1.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 noah and the whale Archives - Various Small Flames https://varioussmallflames.co.uk/tag/noah-and-the-whale/ 32 32 88787050 Dancing Years https://varioussmallflames.co.uk/2012/04/10/dancing-years/ Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:35:00 +0000 http://www.wakethedeaf.co.uk/?p=634 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 […]

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]]> 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.

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 –

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