Album, Gig and Band Reviews

Musical definitions endure - folk, roots, world, rock, ethnic - Dragonsfly transcends boundaries imposed by pointless classification. Their latest album ‘Familiar Shores’ is simply stunning, mixing traditional and self-penned songs - forget categorisation, just enjoy. Throughout its 12 tracks ‘Familiar Shores’ carries unbridled celebration. The more you listen, the more you’ll rejoice with Dragonsfly.

The briefest description of this five-piece covers a glorious array of instruments. Dragonsfly is Maya Preece (lead vocals, bagpipes, guitar, recorder, melodica), Daygan Robinson (mandolin, bouzouki), Tom Simenauer (tabla, percussion, drum kit), Duncan Moss (saxophone, flute, rauschpfeife, hurdy gurdy, bagpipes and harpsichord) and Stephen ‘Iccy’ Slade (bass). The meld of instruments is entrancing with each successive track weaving a cascade of originality. Their self-confessed influences roam from Celtic, through French and Breton to Eastern Europe and beyond – I’m tempted to suggest there are other rich veins of musical substance in there too.

The album opens with a whirling traditional Breton Andro tune, ‘O'u qu't’ ètais t-y?’, which instantly pulls you into Dragonsfly’s exotic world. The music intoxicates and Maya’s clear and incisive vocals exude passion – whatever language she uses. The second that explosion of joy ends you’re into the lovingly executed, feverish pulsing ‘Spanish Troubador’. Another traditional tune arranged by Dragonsfly with the instruments duelling deliciously throughout.

The title track ‘Familiar Shores’ is perhaps the most accessible of their songs. Composed by Maya and Daygan - it’s an entrancing piece. Maya’s voice has an other-worldly, haunting quality – you get the distinct impression she communes daily with faery folk. Next you’re treated to ‘Agua’, which is one of those tunes that’s seduction for the ears; Maya’s vocals are soft as honey, twice as sweet and just as good for you. ‘Arthur Pewty’s Schottische’ follows - composed by Duncan, it’s infectious Bohemian dance at its best. I defy you to sit still. Maya and Daygan work their magic again with ‘Shearwater’ as Duncan’s saxophone ghosts wonderfully behind the bouzouki and bagpipes – another aural confection to luxuriate in.

The treat just goes on with a magnificent vibrant mix, ‘Coeurs Perdus’ which features some great bass playing; the song of love that is ‘Ishq Allah’ (All I ask of you); and Hanter Dro’ - a French folk dance from Brittany. Then comes the gentle ‘Om Shri Krishna’ possibly the most beautiful, hypnotic rendition of a divine names mantra I’ve heard in years. Duncan’s flute and Maya’s voice float over the backdrop of the band to deliver perfection. Dragonsfly closes the album with ‘Out of Thyme’ - an eddying pool that pulses with energy as it rises to a surge of intensity. If you want to hear inspirational tabla, listen to Tom on this track.