Fly Yellow Moon is the name of singer songwriter Fyfe Dangerfield’s debut solo album, soon to be released on 13th March this year. The vocalist of Guillemots, Dangerfield is no stranger to the music business, reflected so in Fly Yellow Moon. It is an album for those wishing for their first taste of love, those in love, and those with broken hearts that are hoping to love again.

The opening track “When You Walk In The Room” instantly transforms the listener’s mood into a happy one, setting the scene for the other tracks on the album. Its upbeat, feel good tempo describes perfectly the tingly beginnings of love. This is a song that anyone would enjoy having dedicated to them. It captures the whole crazy ride of being bitten and smitten by a bubbling romance. A killer first song, guaranteed to get heads nodding.  Favourite lyric: “In this moment, no one is pulling me down into the ground”

Track number two “So Brand New”, gives a nod to the Smiths, although keeping with the optimistic theme that the album portrays, eases up on the morbidity. “So Brand New”  is a fine example of the intensely melodic base that is the foundation for each and every song on Fly Yellow Moon.   Favourite lyric: “All I wanna do, is run circles around you, you’re so brand new”

“Barricades” is vocally similar sounding to Ben Kweller, and the opening piano has the subtlest hint of Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. It is about the desperation of yearning to be with the one you love when you are apart. This is most potent in the way Dangerfield delivers the lyric “I wanna be near you all day”, with the sincere longing and the ache that comes from love.

Many songs with ocean related titles often over do the seaside sounds, but “High On The Tide” conjures just enough wave crashing and seagull squawking to subconsciously send you to the beach. It reflects on those times where one has to rely on oneself’s decisions and hope that they’ll be ok. The song has a carefree childlike ambience, accentuated so in the whistling and the music box melody at the end of the track. Favourite lyric: “Who needs friends when all they have is opinions?”

Snapping the listener out of their sea shanty daydreaming comes “Faster Than The Setting Sun”, showing another talented shade of the English musical chameleon. The hypnotic guitar combined with the heavy, solid drums encompasses the brooding nature of the lyrics.

“Livewire” is that song we all need to hear when we’ve had a horrible day. The acoustic folk-esque strumming of the guitar combined with the piano provide sweet and delicate tones for an innocent, “Hey, cheer up!” song. Favourite lyric: “Livewire, the world is yours to hire, we’ve got everything to live for, don’t kick it all the time”

Whoever invited the term ‘Lucky 7’  obviously had some idea of how lovely the seventh track “Firebird” was to be. A dark and hauntingly beautiful lullaby, the ¾ time puts the listener into a slowly rocking cradle. Keeping it simple successfully again, this is one for slow dancing.

“Don’t Be Shy” is to be the first single released from Fly Yellow Moon, and what a first. This is the type of song that would fit perfectly in a Sandy & Danny “You’re The One that I Want” type of scene in a movie. The collaboration of strings and brass generate a feeling of excitement. An instant classic love song. Much like “When You Walk In The Room”, this song is what it feels like to be at the peak of if love’s grip.  Favourite lyric: “I am yours you can do what you like with me” (Sigh, whatever you say Fyfe)

Stripping back to perfect acoustic wonder, “Don’t Be Shy” is the song that picks you up, dusts you off, wipes your tears away and gives you a cuddle. It is about growing up, realizing responsibility and not letting it get you down. A simply stunning piece of composition.

Although each track on Fly Yellow Moon features a range of instruments, Dangerfield flows from solitary guitar or piano to synthesized beats and electric guitar seamlessly. “Any Direction” makes this effortless transition. It is a song about the uncertainty of a relationship, and the exciting uncertainty that love provides us all.

Favourite lyric: “Some heart is always gonna get broken, somebody’s always gonna crack”

The first of the two bonus tracks on Fly Yellow Moon, “Let’s Start Again”, really cements the optimism and positive attitude Dangerfield has on life and love. It focuses on the real things in life, like love, rather than all the other meaningless fluff. It has a sing-around-the-campfire feel to it, mixed with forgiveness and desperation.

I couldn’t have chosen a more fitting song to conclude Fly Yellow Moon than “Awake, Asleep”. In the same style as “Don’t Be Shy” and “Barricades”, it is relaxed, emotional and cleanses the soul as the final notes of the piano fade away.

Overall, Fly Yellow Moon is a pleasure to listen to, and will connect and relate to a range of musical tastes. I am eager to watch Fyfe Dangerfield grow and progress, and wish him the best of luck in his solo career.

Review Score: 9/10