Scruffy charmer Fyfe Dangerfield pleased a packed London Scala last week. Busy promoting new album Fly Yellow Moon, the Guillemots man poured his soul out to the King’s Cross crowd. Aiming his guitar like a modern day cherub armed with a bow & arrow, Fyfe had 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 were 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 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 was 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 is a grown up pop song with a deeper sincere side, festering below the surface; and 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 were 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 swung the window so wide open into his soul, that they loosened the hinges of the evening, leaving an almost uncomfortable shuffling of feet. High On The Tide, Livewire & 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.
Despite this there is no doubt that Fly Yellow Moon is a brave, soul baring album that should see the singer take the next step to a greater success. Fyfe Dangerfield is a great songwriter on 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 left no option but to force the room into a casually dressed Terracotta Army.
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