Flo Crowe & The Dilemmas: That Was That
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Flo Crowe & The Dilemmas bring us an appetising taste of Cornwall, and what a treat it turns out to be.
There are so many great young bands out there vying for attention that they really have to be pretty special to rise above the crowd. But the fresh-faced and talented new kids on the block who are Flo Crowe & The Dilemmas needn’t worry about that. The bittersweet and enchanting That Was That is the first helping from the excellent forthcoming album, and it’s an absolute delight. A thing of simple beauty, this is a poignant tale of youthful love and regret, with subtle instrumentation, emotive lyrics, gorgeous harmonies and cool handclaps completing the effect. Flo’s sublimely expressive vocal really announces her as a pop / folk singer to watch, with a dulcet tone reminiscent of the great Kirsty MacColl.
Flip side, The Crowd, is a more jaunty yet still atmospheric affair featuring economic, choppy guitar, layered vocals, more of those handclaps and keys which bring to mind early Depeche Mode, before crescendoing to the uplifting sound of strings and brass. A deceptively uncomplicated sounding track which, on repeated listens, reveals itself to be expertly and lovingly constructed and produced. As with the A side, it also happens to be ridiculously catchy, a bonus for any debut.
Flo Crowe & The Dilemmas have a truly unique sound, crucially without trying too hard to sound unique. They also demonstrate a refreshing attitude; “Music is how we recharge and reconnect – with ourselves and each other, it’s an umbrella that protects us from the storm going on outside. Our debut single celebrates the connection. It’s us opening our umbrella and inviting people to come under it and stand with us for a while.” With a great look, distinctive name and a fully-formed sound which belies their status as novices, they’re soon going to need a much bigger umbrella.
Flo Crowe & The Dilemmas Instagram
All words by Robin Boardman. More writing from Robin for Louder Than War can be found at his author’s archive.
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