DEAN ALLEN FOYD (The Sounds Can Be So Cruel) LP/CD
I said recently that I'm oversaturated by retro rock in all its facets. What once was refreshing has turned into a stale trend. There are however some exceptions, such as DEAN ALLEN FOYD who come from Stockholm, Sweden. 'The Sounds Can Be So Cruel' is the band's debut album that has been released in 2012 by Crusher Records, a name which stands for quality. The first thing you will notice about DEAN ALLEN FOYD is their absolutely authentic sound. If I didn't know better I'd think that this record has been released in 1968. One gets the impression that these guys have travelled four decades back with the help of a time machine to record this album. Fortunately, it was a very successful venture, because 'The Sounds Can Be So Cruel' is a great debut.
This results from the variety of the included nine tracks, but also from the songwriting talents of the band. Moreover, DEAN ALLEN FOYD has a natural instinct for thoughtful arrangements with enough space for other instruments such as flute, organ or a violin. But guitar, bass, drums and vocals form the basic framework for their songs. That is why DEAN ALLEN FOYD is primarily a rock band. But they are open to different influences, ranging from garage rock over psychedelic to blues and folk.
It would actually be easy to describe the songs on the basis of legendary bands. The opener 'Please Pleaze Me' cannot deny its affinity to very early Pink Floyd while 'Revolution Blues' seems to be a bastard child of The Doors and Captain Beefheart. But that could give the misleading impression that DEAN ALLEN FOYD have no other choice than to follow their musical heroes and that is definitely not the case. It is really rather more the case that they have created their own sound and that is quite remarkable for such a young band. In addition, they play with a natural energy that shines in its purity of melodic soulful intention. Just listen to 'She's So Blue' that is simply gorgeous. This is partly due to the vocals of guitarist Francis Rencoret whose natural style suits DEAN ALLEN FOYD's music perfectly. All in all an oustanding debut, well worth purchasing if you enjoy the rock music of the late 1960's. It is obvious that there is plenty of potential and I look forward to the second album.
(KK)