Echoed chants and a misaligned drum beat mark the opening of Devil’s Island as an interesting soundscape quite unlike anything Dave Rowntree has been associated with so far. His heyday as Blur’s drummer rooted him firmly behind the kit and away from a microphone that could chart his qualities as a singer, crooner or frontman.
It was one of the three for Rowntree, and Devil’s Island, the first single from his upcoming album Radio Songs, cements him as a solid crooner with some satisfyingly tense and well-worked music to offer audiences. Few drummers have ascended the band they popularised, but the consistencies on Devil’s Island do mark a shift in momentum for Rowntree.
His singing here, which echoes the charms of Richard Hawley’s personalised crooning, is warm and constant despite lyrics of the “cold embrace” that comes of being on the eponymous Devil’s Island. Beyond those lyrics though is a technical masterclass, a piece that springs to life with a layering of harsh, rising sounds and a constant drum beat.
Audiences should be furious with Rowntree. He has hidden this talent behind a drum kit for so long. He has that soulful, rattled voice necessary for those that want to reflect on the various pointers in their life. Devil’s Island is a shock to the system. It makes London Bridge, the previous single effort of Rowntree, look like child’s play. There is something darker, deeper, about Devil’s Island that keeps its integrity intact as it explores the dark heart of an island filled with horrid memories.
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