The Flowers of Despair – What Would Keith Do? EP
2 Comments Published by dunc on Tuesday, August 05, 2008 at 22:56.
The Flowers of Despair are a Birmingham two-piece, comprising of Jesmond and Paul - although both members also play and record in other bands.What Would Keith Do? is their first offering, and it’s a good one for fans of lo-fi indiepop. It manages to simultaneously capture moments of sombre reflection while retaining a remarkably uplifting touch. It’s a very similar contrast to the one that many Trembling Blue Stars records manage to straddle and if you’re a fan of Bob Wratten’s recent song writing then I think some of the beautiful moments of this record will appeal to you.
The EP kicks off with the slow chords of 'Anti-Song' where both members take turns to sing a verse and chorus - but the EP goes through many moods, 'Wrinkled Suits and Hangman’s Ties' has a very upbeat verse. Excitingly the record also features a well deployed kazoo on 'The Ballad of Nora & Him'!
I think my favourite song on 'What Would Keith Do?' must be 'Tomorrow', where the two vocal parts of the chorus are utterly spellbinding, and the tune sits with you all day. The EP also finishes with an excellent cover of Nick Cave song 'Into My Arms' with ethereal backing vocals.
The Flowers of Despair - Anti-song
The Flowers of Despair - Wrinkled Suits and Hangman's Ties
The Flowers of Despair - The Ballad of Nora & Him
The Flowers of Despair - Tomorrow
The Flowers of Despair - Malk Must
The Flowers of Despair - Into My Arms
[MySpace link]
That tomorrow song sounds like a cover?? But who is it?
Ahh it's by James