Just before we ended 2013 a copy of Marmaduke Dando’s second album “Sweet Dregs” landed in my inbox resulting in it becoming one of the last new albums I listened to for the year and one of the first for 2014, it’s not however the most uplifting of party music but instead a selection of morose ballads by the London based singer.
This isn’t a bad thing though as from the first words to be sung Marmaduke has a voice that’s instantly compelling to listen to, with the opening song “The Trick of Singularity” having a Nick Cave feel about it.
The following track “Must We Be Bound” again has the moody vocals, backed with piano and a fitting string arrangement, providing one of the albums highlights. Piano features heavily on this release with “Old Friend” for example featuring nothing else other than the keys and Dando’s haunting voice.
The album rarely steps outside of the slightly depressing sounds, the aforementioned “Old Friend” along with the interlinked “You Know I adore you” and “The Art of Decay” following that of failed friendships and lovers whilst questioning the existence of them in the first place.
Marmaduke Dando then opens a bottle and delivers the albums only more upbeat number in penultimate track “I’ll Drink to That” before heading back to what he’s best at and the albums’ title tune of “Sweet Dregs” bringing the release to a beautiful yet somewhat depressing close.
If you’re a fan of the more stripped back side of Tom Waits, Nick Cave or the country feel of some of the crooners from yester years then check out this release – but be warned, it’s not the most cheerful sounding album of 2013, although it’s certainly one to be remembered in all its heartfelt glory.
