Stirring in its range of twangy guitars, harmonious vocals, and string-laden balladry within a folk/rock intertwining, The Dust Up of the Century is the enamoring debut album from Emma Falk Dennis, an artist based in Southern California, and originally from Derbyshire, England. Production from David J (Bauhaus/ Love and Rockets) infuses Dennis’ fantastic songwriting within a warming, atmospheric glow.
Amongst the numerous highlights, “Neon” ascends quickly from sporadic strings, piano, and guitars into a rollicking energy — taking off especially upon the “marks I made” vocal ruminations, where the instrumentation comes together with a breezily emotive passion. Dennis’ suave vocals maneuver seamlessly alongside fervent strings past the mid-point for a particularly gripping emphasis.
“Stay” is another charmer, reminding fondly of Weyes Blood in its traversal from piano-based solemnity into orchestral intrigue. “Song for G in E” also moves with an initial piano-set spirit, as vocals beckon to “sing to me” with heartfelt yearning; it’s another beautiful, atmospheric cut on an album with an abundance of memorable songwriting. Finale “Daily Routine” is another sating success, with country-friendly guitar twangs and “house is made of sticks” poetic reflections. The Dust Up of the Century is an enthralling success of a debut from Emma Falk Dennis.
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Several of the album’s tracks are featured this month on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
