Henry & Fleetwood

You probably can’t have a supergroup with just two people and no doubt the members of Henry & Fleetwood would blush at the thought of being hailed in such a manner. However, there is no getting away from the fact that the duo are considerably talented and as their debut EP indicates, their talent is able to mesh together, complementing and supporting each other in a comprehensive and considerable release.

You can’t just lump together talented people and expect good music to be created but in playing to their strengths, the duo is off to a very strong start and hopefully this will be the first of much collaboration to come. There isn’t a great deal of pace involved with On The Forest Floor EP, but there is a strong blend of darkness and light, with intensity and joy abounding in equal measure across the four tracks.

The opening two songs flow seamlessly into each other, combining on a common theme and both containing melodies that reach and soar. If the music is supposed to represent the wilderness and open-nature of so much of Scotland, the duo have achieved their aims before they even reach the halfway point. Forestry contains the stronger chorus both but tracks are enjoyable and welcoming.

Third track Timber deviates from the warmth, providing a more thoughtful approach and the layered track quietly chimes away, with the harp sound weaving from back to front effortlessly. A Perfect Mess ends the EP strongly but all too quickly, leaving you wanting more.

Fans of the groups that the two individuals hail from will know all about the simplicity and style of their melodies and songwriting and the initial fruits of the Henry & Fleetwood labour may be sparse, but they are sparkling. Enjoy this release for now and hopefully there will be more to follow.