We’ve been fond of Wildflowers at BrightonsFinest since we invited them to headline one of our monthly nights at The Hope last summer. They were an exciting live band back then and since have had plenty of opportunity to hone their show from touring with the likes of Tom Odell and Robert Plant. This EP comes in advance of their debut album ‘On The Inside’ (which we expect to see before the year is out) and has already smashed into the top 40 on the iTunes chart.
Sonically the EP is consistent and professional; title track ‘Let It Go’ introduces us to a really immaculate studio sound; acoustic guitar, piano and percussion backing luscious vocals and those fantastic harmonies that are a signature of the band’s sound. Unfortunately although I want to love the EP I can’t help but think ‘Let It Go’ sounds like it could have been written for a life insurance advert. There’s a summery vibe and cheerful lyrics about letting go of your issues to get on board with the fun that’s happening around you and maybe that’s the problem: it lacks edge. It’s catchy but in a saccharine way; it’s folky but in that modern commercial way that sold a million Mumford & Sons albums to middle aged mothers. To my ears it owes more to James Blunt than Bob Dylan – it lacks those caustic and bittersweet elements that transcend genre and make us believe in and feel for an artist.
Siddy Bennet has a fantastic voice filled with character which is under-utilised until the last song on the EP. ‘Tell Them I’m Your Woman’ begins with an acoustic guitar riff that sounds like it could be lifted straight from Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ but when we get to the chorus we’re treated to some of that Alanis Morrisette influence the band talks so much about. They sound good channelling 90’s American alt-rock and Siddy allows her voice to reach for its gritty potential while singing about a lover who has attracted lots of rival interest.
Adam Kidd