In an ever-crowded folk market, Dear Reader are proving that folk can still be imaginative and inspirational and most importantly relevant. Cherilyn MacNeil’s introspective lyrics are soaked in bittersweet charm, delicately orchestrated by just two other band members. Though most folk bands are traveling along the increasingly lo-fi road, Dear Reader are a rare example that to write a great song, it is more about creative storytelling than simple production.
Dear Reader’s show will be chance for them to preview their upcoming album ‘Replace Why With Funny’ which is released on City Slang in April. The album features the new single Dearheart which came out earlier this month. Built around a shuffling piano backbone, the song creeps along with its smooth jazzy drums and silky strings, creating a warm, comforting sound to accompany MacNeil’s soaring vocals. To write a song of love and comfort is an increasingly hard task as metaphor turns to cliché but Dearheart tackles the overworked subject in such a beautiful way, the song feels like an anthem from the very first listen.
As far as the album goes, the previews on myspace are equally as exciting and it is set to be one of the albums that is spoken about by those “in-the-know” until it is launched into the great public conscious. Here’s hoping that doesn’t take too long.
Dear Reader play 229 in support of the equally extraordinary Fanfarlo on March 5th. Tickets are only £7.