The Dunwells – I Could Be A King
aaamusic | On 20, Nov 2011
The Dunwells are a Leeds based quintet, formed of two brothers, two cousins and another fellow – formally known as The Dunwells Brothers Band. They have been around a while, but not really received much recognition beyond the countryside festival circuit and Leeds (pub) scene. However, that may all be about to change, with word of an American record deal.
‘I Could Be A King’ starts off as a low-key little acoustic number with a soft, folk drumbeat, before some simply but fitting electric guitars chips in, along with an warm and agreeable (double?) bassline. This kind of indie-folk makes up much of The Dunwells’ music, and it is fine but nothing out of the ordinary. The vocals, however, are lovely – the voices, plus the childish optimism of the lyrics, are actually rather reminiscent of Nizlopi, but there is a Nizlopi-esque banjo in there (the banjo is actually the greatest detail to ‘I Could Be A King’). However, the gang harmonies of the ending Whoah-Ohs don’t sound particularly necessary.
This is a decent single – released November 21st – and fans of pop-indie acts like Scouting For Girls may find something to like here, but fans of pop-folk types like Mumford & Sons may find this a little too sweet.
Clive Rozario
