Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit
I’m sure you’ve heard of this lad already, as he has already made an appearance on a few blogs but, never one to be silent when there’s needless chattering to do, I thought I stick in my tuppence-worth.
There really seems to be a lot of this sort of folky, bluesy stuff around and I think it’s possible Mr. Flynn is one of the best of the lot. His stuff drifts so easily across genres that I suppose the easiest thing to call it is acoustic pop with heavy traditional influences, be they folk, bluegrass or blues.
Brown Trout Blues is a masterpiece of slightly regretful but unapologetic introspection.
Other songs, such as Tickle Me Pink potter along a a good clip, but the atmosphere of the music never gets as far as raucous. In fact, between the pace of the music and the intimate, shipwrecked quality of his voice it makes for a rich, gorgeous sound, despite the often sparse instrumentation. Although, you know me, this lighter touch is something I tend to prefer and it always makes a group seem more confident when they are able to be restrained with their arrangements.
He has two singles out, neither of which I can bloody well buy because they’re both on vinyl, which is an enormous pain in the arse. I know why record companies do this, and I do understand, but it’s frustrating for us digital types nonetheless. Anyhow, that shouldn’t stop you lot, who are presumably all muso types with turntables, from going off and shelling out for them. Honestly, they’re money well spent and I am really looking forward to more.
Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit – Brown Trout Blues
Johnny Flynn & the Sussex Wit – Eyeless in Holloway
