Fyfe Dangerfield Review
Fyfe Dangerfield is more commonly known as the front-man of successful UK band Guillemots. Unfortunately for him, being successful in the UK with a band does not equal being popular across the pond as a solo artist. So how would he fare taking on Toronto?
The venue, El Mocambo, situated in downtown Toronto was more than deceiving to the eye. The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” definitely sprung to mind when staring up at the dingy face of the building. Inside however, was a different story. A large dimly-lit room fit for over 150 people and decorated with small tables and candles, set the laid back scene for Fyfe and his first ever solo show in Toronto.
When first arriving on location the crowd seemed minimal, but by the time Fyfe took to the stage, the venue was over three quarters full. A great turnout for someone embarking on a new solo career from scratch. Having interviewed him before the show, I knew that Fyfe was a loveable character with a quirky sense of humour, and this shone through as he had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand from the moment he stepped out on stage. In smart attire but casually dressed, Fyfe enticed the audience with various songs from his debut album “Fly Yellow Moon” including earlier released single “She Needs Me”. “Fly Yellow Moon” is a great album available just in time for Summer, with feel good tracks such as “When You Walk In The Room” to the more serene “Faster Than The Setting Sun”, it appeals to a widespread audience. With his charming voice and sounds from different ends of the spectrum, it is easy to see the strong influence Guillemots have had on his music.
What I loved about Fyfe, was that on first impressions he seemed like the type of person who was quite shy and would be nervous about playing in front of an audience. In reality it was quite the opposite. He didn’t seem afraid to try anything. Playing up to three different guitars, the keyboard and at one stage even the drums, Fyfe was the star of his own one-man show. He was even brave enough to play classic Guillemots tracks including “Made Up Lovesong 43” and “Trains To Brazil” without the band to back him up.
A highlight of mine was when Fyfe announced he was to play a few cover songs with the likes of the worldwide classic “Fool On The Hill” by The Beatles and my personal favourite “Call The Shots” by none other than Girls Aloud. Right in front of our eyes, he recorded the backing track and the beat on his keyboard, and continued to play a version of the song even better than the original. Check it out below.
Before long, it was time for the pretend exit which lasted all of one minute and he was back to show off his beautiful rendition of the Billy Joel classic and new single “She’s Always A Woman” which is also featured on the latest John Lewis advert which you can watch here.
Most of the time it is a huge risk for musicians breaking away from what they’re more commonly known for, because more often than not these artists aren’t strong enough to survive without the support of a band. This however, is not the case, as Fyfe is more than capable to not only produce great soulful songs, but also perform them skillfully. To put it simply, he’s a musician any Brit would be proud to call their own.
Although Guillemots have been missed immensely, and will be until they make their comeback next year, for now I’d like to part the crowds and introduce everyone to Fyfe Dangerfield, the solo artist.
“Fly Yellow Moon” is out now! And available to buy here.
For more information on Fyfe Dangerfield, keep checking back on www.myspace.com/fyfedangerfield for updates!
Click here to read our interview with Fyfe.
Review by Tanu Ravi