Franco & the Dreadnought’s debut Self Titled Album is Out Now on Glasstone Records.
We had a listen:
‘Moving Mountains’ is as soft as a mossy slot.
It creates a rhythm of building momentum – and the guitars vibrate – causing a buoyancy.
But this song (about the power of love) is all about the voice.
The vocal is laddish – almost rogue-like – but has an easily huggable charm to it. It’s as honest as a tussle haired scamp.
There was once a time when public parks were safe. But in more recent times, they seem riddled with needles and cans. Condoms and faeces.
Platt Fields Park in Rusholme, Manchester UK may still be a place where you could see a butterfly. But it would be skitting out of there. Zippo.
‘Platt Fields’ is an ode to such places we have gradually lost. Green lungs. They used to be called. How did we lose these freedoms?
‘American Dream’ is a jaunty number. With a little expressive guitar accompaniment.
It is easy to lash out against the push for prosperity and success (together with the poisoning and corruption that seems to go hand in hand) – and it’s been done before. But this is on a personal level. And it is provocative without being shouty.
For a folk rocker Franco creates a lot of soldiery imagery in his pieces. This is welcome.
Perhaps it’s because we have got used to female singer-songwriters constantly harping on about petty jealousy, love and misunderstandings. So it is a relief to have something masculine. To chew on.
Musketeers were in use (in modern warfare) up until the First World War – though the famous unit that d’Artagnan and his three companions belonged to was disbanded by King Louis XVI – for budgetary reasons. (Something that resonates with us?)
‘Musketeers’ gurgles along. This song focuses on the word ‘Sometimes’ – and it would be a productive use of your time to really focus on the ideas and messages that appear tightly interwoven within this exquisitely beautiful locket.
‘Love Sweet Home’ is a bit more wild and unkempt than other tracks. A barn-stormer and a waver and a clapper.
‘Monsters + Ghosts’ has a wonderful stomping pace. I can imagine this being sampled. And re-issued by a house-music producer. It has everything, drama, sadness, a painfully good melody. And a singalong chorus.
The piano piece ‘The Catch of the Pride’ completes the album. This number is brave and soulful.
Stark against the musical landscape that is bleached-out. It seems to be on release. It’s about freeing young hearts. Perhaps even yours and mine. Before they are captured forever in a glorious tangle.
This is an outstanding album. Created by a superlative singer. And a creative modern-day minstrel.
@neilmach © 2014
Link:
https://www.facebook.com/FrancoDreadnought
UPCOMING SHOWS:
August 14
London-O2 Academy Islington
August 23
London-Camden Barfly
RAW RAMP 