The Robbie Boyd Band: Autumn’s Flown

By RingMaster Review on May 31, 2012 • ( 0 )

There has been quite a buzz building around The Robbie Boyd Band before debut single I Won’t Let You Go which was unveiled in April and certainly after. Now with debut EP Autumn’s Flown released June 4^th the expectation is interest and acclaim will become an accelerated energy around them, especially with the impressive and irresistible quality within the new release.

Playing what they call “feel good funky folk” the band has grabbed attention in their mere two years having received attention and airplay with the likes of Graham Norton on BBC2, Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music as well as sharing stages with bands like The Kooks, Razorlight, and The Delays. With over 370,000 views on their official YouTube channel it is fair to say the band is beyond a secret with a continually growing interest upon them, something the EP will again only inspire to greater heights.

The first thing Autumn’s Flown shows apart from its collection of great tunes is that Boyd is an instinctive songwriter with an easy and strong understanding of melodies and harmonies. He utilises their strengths in a defined and creative way to ensure total captivation and the fullest pleasure within his songs. His distinctive voice adds another firmly lure for the ear and as the EP plays through its five slices of impressive music their self termed description proves more than accurate.

The opening Angel actually did not grab the ear as much as latter songs initially though it is a grower and with time becomes as essential as the other vibrant offerings. With a mild energy and warm life the song takes the senses on a scenic melodic stroll with the keys of Adam Fletcher and stirring rhythms of Huw Beynon eager guides.

Debut single I Won’t Let You Go comes next and is an absorbing blend of harmonies and string enchantment from Boyd, Russel Smith, and Simon Fitzpatrick. With a chorus as catching as any virus the song blissfully excites and dances within the ear. With added pleasures from the backing vocals and violin of Mared Evans to add extra romance and shine the song is openly infectious.

New single Orion’s Belt is the biggest jewel of the release, a majestic blaze of melodic ingenuity and harmonious craft. From its emotive opening and passion fuelled breath the song slowly expands into an exceptional piece of folk pop. Veined with a velvet caress and a dazzling jazz energy the track is immense and destined for mass favouritism. Again the vocals of Evans supporting Boyd are wonderful, their combination as key a factor as the melodies and stirring heart of the song.

Completed by the delightful Never Never Land and a radio edit of I Won’t Let You Go, the EP is pure pleasure and surely a stepping stone to major recognition for the band. With irresistible melodies, imaginative invention, and magical sirenesque sounds Autumn’s Flown is a must for all lovers of melodic pop with real heart.

RingMaster 31/05/2012