Wildflowers - On The Inside
5/10
A disappointing debut from these Bristol/Brighton based indie-folkers. A shame as they seemed so fresh when they supported Tom Odell at the UEA two years ago. On The Inside was recorded in Detroit after signing to Caroline International last year, and inevitably has a predominantly Americana feel to it. Perhaps though, rather than touting themselves as 'the bastard children of Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles' they should have remained closer to their West Country roots and concentrated on a more authentic home-spun sound.
A couple of tracks do stand out – Where the Flowers Don't Grow, a Kill Bill inspired tribute to the pink sari wearing Gulabi Gang women of Northern India; and Edge of the Road with hints of The Coral and the late Kirsty MacColl. Friends adopts the tone of a Celtic lament and allows us to actually hear the accordian. The remainder of the songs tend to struggle to rise above the level of Californian desert fodder.
By comparison to their first two EP's, this album is a bland offering. One only hopes that back in the UK they can re-establish more home-grown honesty. Already their new song, the anti-austerity anthem Don't Go Telling Me It's Love, appears to have re-ignited some fighting spirit. If so, they may still be able to save themselves as well as the country.
5/10
