Dan McKean Offers Up Sparkling Songs With Depth And Emotion On New EP, Wheat
Dan McKean – Wheat EP
Anglo-Iranian, Oxford-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan McKean is one of those exciting artists whose sound is constantly developing and exploring new areas. His debut album, Leave The West Behind, was a largely acoustic set, consisting of classy, shimmering dream-pop with nods to everything from The Beatles to Randy Newman and classic folk. A very fine set it is indeed, but here we are concentrating on McKean’s new EP, Wheat.
There’s much to enjoy here, and McKean has the talent to back up his eclectic tastes. He possesses a fine singing voice, not too far away from the easy charm of McCartney or Lennon, and perfectly suited to the material. The opener and title track takes up where his debut left off – a gently-rolling number based on ticking cymbals, acoustic guitar and sparkling Rhodes organ. McKean is a master of doing a lot with a little. Some lovely harmonies and a memorable composition lift this track, way above the average.
‘It Started Out So Well’ is a more up-tempo affair, with flutters of funk and disco. Once again, you can’t help but be struck by the quality of both the playing and the production. At heart, McKean’s strength lies in his songs, which are instantly accessible yet possessed of enough depth to reward repeated listens. ‘As Sure As Day Is Light’ is another beautiful number, with subtle sheens of synth and finger-picked guitar. The laid-back ‘Thousand Reasons’ closes the show, as lovely a slice of folk-pop as you could wish for.
Dan McKean offers much for any fans of classy singer-songwriting.
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Words Chris Wheatley
