The Melodic

Effra Parade

2013-11-13

Melodic ~ Effra Parade

In following up the South London band's much heralded EP On My Way, the English afro-folk-pop ensemble is back with their full-length debut titled Effra Parade.  Drawing comparisons to many acclaimed artists, perhaps the best description of their music is somewhere between Norway's Kings of Convenience and Iceland's Of Monsters and Men.  Even then, they are clearly out to make a sound all their own by using a line-up of 18 different baroque instruments to create a sound that joyfully defies categorization.  

Opening with the single, "On My Way," the band crafts a catchy melody that warrants repeated listens.  Mixing the sounds of the Caribbean and that of Africa, "Watch the World Turn Blue" is a fun track that manages to be noticeably different from the others.  One of the best tracks here is "Runaway," a song that moves along at a faster pace and manages to mix in varying instruments and vocals that make it something special.   Other especially good songs include:  

#6 - "Roots"

#10 - "Come Outside"

#14 - "Piece Me Back Together"

On the whole, the Melodic, while not especially strong vocally, have established a sound and some catchy melodies that speak for themselves.  While touring with Mumford and Sons, they've managed to win over many new fans and I suspect they'll win over the hearts of many others with music as revealing, catchy and likeable as this.  A solid start to say the least!

Reviewed by Jeff Bouma


More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 01/2010

    ALEXIS HARTE
    Big Red Sun

  • reviewed 07/2006

    THE AVERY SET
    Wishful Thinking

  • reviewed 05/2008

    SERA CAHOONE
    Only As the Day is Long

  • reviewed 02/2011

    FEIST
    Look At What The Light Did Now

  • reviewed 02/2006

    NEKO CASE
    Fox Confessor Brings the Flood

  • reviewed 08/2006

    Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisited
    Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisited

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.