This isn't a grand metaphor Flynn's harnessed for irony
though; it's the ultimately undercooked taste of this batch of promising songs.
The grief isn't with the format. EP's are usually just leftovers from the last album or rough strokes for an upcoming full-length. With four incipient tracks, Sweet William holds fast for the latter tradition.
The work is no doubt evocative though. The cuts still hit all
of Flynn's high-notes: his accented croon sails effortlessly across antiqued plucky
finger-picking ("Sweet William"); lyrics drip from his lips with the grace and
romance of a poet ("The Mountain Is Burning"); and his backing band swoons equal
parts rosy inspiration and threatening dread ("The Drum")--crafting each song like a
harrowing journey. But for such an intuitive songwriter, Flynn's collection
lacks the sly kick of his characteristic spirit; much of the material just
punching in for work.
At the very least, the EP's a provocative creative insight. Following Flynn's evolution during his art's adolescence--from his playful, ornate wordplay to his one-off experiments with song structure or narrative--illuminates talents that hid nervously in the shadows of his debut "A Larum." It's also encouraging that he's trying on fresh styles and chasing after new muses, however tentative the attempts may be.
Flynn's still finding his footing while
trying to map his course. Chin up, lad. Do it once more with vigor!
Rating: 6.5/10
Watch Johnny Flynn play "The Mountain Is Burning" off his new release, the Sweet William EP
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.
Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel.
Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.
You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.
