Record Label: Transgressive Records

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With a resurgent interest in folk music, Johnny Flynn comes straight from the heart of  British folk, and can be classed as one for the purists. With inventive lyrics, Flynn attempts to draw on natural imagery and blend  this with flashes of the modern world , all with a traditional turn of phrase. Most of the time this works, but occasionally, the tracks here get a little metaphor-heavy. However, Flynn’s pseudo-historical tales do succeed in evoking a heady world of pagan mysticism. Some excellent use of strings add an off-kilter tilt. In second track ‘Trains’ there is a lovely cello break down which adds some real emotional punch. Title track  ‘Sweet William’ does meander off a little, though the guitar playing and traditional vocal style are strong, reminiscent of Richard Thompson, they may prove a little too twee and ‘olde worlde’ for some. But there are some lovely touches on guitar and innovative use of horns which may bridge the gap between old and new for others.

Overall, this a strong four- track e.p. that seems a bit of a retro blend of the Pogues, Simon & Garfunkel and the Wicker Man soundtrack. So break out the chunky jumpers, fashion yourself a corduroy beard and while you’re at it, why not open a crystal shop in Cornwall? Folk new I won’t do what you tell me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUT3Pe7G3ow

As part of Dublin’s ‘Hard Working Class Heroes Festival 2009’, Fionn Regan and band took to stage as the Saturday night headline act at The Button Factory.  Having greatly enjoyed Regan’s excellent 2007 Mercury-nominate debut album ‘The End Of History’, I was anticipating an intimate acoustic set, which kicked off as expected with Regan bursting out a powerful solo rendition of ‘Hey Rabbit’. Fionn Regan has a transfixing and confident stage presence. He’s an intriguing talent and a songwriter who communicates sublime and potent lyrics with conviction. You get the sense that Regan has the skill to vary the tone and intonation of his songs, with clear, crisp vocals that keeps the live performance fresh. It then came as a bit of surprise when a full band emerged on the stage, to take up drums, bass, lead guitar keyboard and mixer.

The set quickly shifted gear and the band ripped straight into a collection of new material. Mostly, some bright and punchy ,retro-sounding foot-stompers. These  included new single ‘Protection Racket’ and were interspersed with strong versions of End of History tracks; ‘Hunter’s Map’, ‘Put a Penny in the Slot’ and ‘Snowy Atlas Mountains’. The full band are excellent musicians, and had something of the British 60’s mod sound about them, with a little of the The Yardbyrds and The Small Faces  thrown in there somewhere.

Regan is among the multitude of singer / songwriters given the ‘Dylanesque’ tag. But unlike Dylan, Fionn Regan only recorded one album before going electric. New album ‘The Shadow of an Empire’ is set for release in early 2010. Regan’s only discernable comment to the crowd came before the rather perplexing final track ‘Genocide Matinee’ and was, I think: “You don’t know your history. Don’t pretend that you do”. Not sure about the rest of crowd, but I also don’t know much biology, a science book or the French I took!