DC Fontana - Pentagram Man EP

by Lisa Torem

published: 12 / 1 / 2013

Label: DC Tone
Format: CDS

Imaginative 60’s retro rock on new EP from sprawling British group, DC Fontana

Review

British group DC Fontana is back with ‘Pentagram Man’, an EP that is a retro ride through the 1960s. The first song, ‘Devilangel’ is layered with strings, percussion and even a Chinese yangquin. New vocalist Louise Turner, who sang on Elbow’s ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’, has a voice that is warm and flowing. On that song she also appears with Don Fardon (The Sorrows), so we get a chance to hear it done in a muskier, masculine manner. Because it is a good solid song, this is a nice opportunity to hear varying styles. Talbot Roswell, lead guitarist, does a wonderful job of adding nuance and vitality, as does organist Scott Riley. The song has an easygoing outro, reminiscent of an earlier time when Nehru suits and Andy Warhol soup cans governed the popular landscape. ‘Satisfied Pt. One’ features chunky piano and erratic strings and a distinctly John Mayall like vibe. It is sung by Scott Riley and embraced by Jennifer Appleyard’s cello and Steve Trigg’s trumpet. Alto, tenor and baritone sax make beautiful flat mates. The most psychedelic offering reward goes to ‘Sighed DC’. It is a hypnotic marriage of Mellotron, celeste and wah-wah.. The meandering melodies are cast against a solemn spoken word chant. Being the longest song, we get a chance to really take in the atmosphere and enjoy the ride. ‘What Would It Take?’ is a more conventional ballad on which Turner stretches her vocals and shows off her range. Moaning strings, steady guitar and touches of flute and accordion make this one especially pretty; although it pales in comparison to the bolder, more mind expanding tracks. Bassist Mark Mortimer who takes a lot of credit for the songwriting has some great ideas, as do Scott Riley and Donald Ross Skinner, but it might take another album to see where DC Fontana finds its true identity.