The first thing to say about Micky Dey is that he is a real talent. Over the course of six tracks he manages to convince me that I should keep an eye on this musician. There is no pretence here, no fuss, show or bluster, just old fashioned music making and expression of worthwhile emotion.
He describes his music as melodic folk-rock akin to Elliot Smith, Jeff Buckley and The Mountain Goats and it is an accurate description. The last time I heard something this good of a similar nature I was reviewing the Polly Barrett album.
With the excellent production and standout guitar playing of Luke Yates, Micky manages to come across as simultaneously unassuming and beguiling. Vocally I can hear Jeff Buckley (yes Jeff Buckley) and also at times Anthony Hegarty (yes, really, Anthony Hegarty) but Mr Dey does in fact have a style of his own. Of course being compared to artists like that (something I am not doing) is a bit unfair but who is to say he can’t go on to better them in his own way?
Keep Your Eyes On Your Own Desk opens proceedings. “In my mind I’m never bored/I’ve got my future neatly stored/Ready for the day I spring/Majestically from my bed and then begin...” The song seems to finish around the three minute mark and then continues to give for another minute by doing nothing in particular. It’s really quite majestic.
High Times (Get Low) - great stories well told that’s what this guy is capable of and the music enhances that objective. This song exemplifies that. It is even less showy and even more majestic. Two people break into a school and that damn desk appears again.
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Floorboards On Rooftops is stripped back to minimal guitar, some cymbals and vocals. Yes it works. It showcases great lyrics about people and their differences.
Roam - brushes on the drums and words fill the melody. It reminds me of something and I don’t care what it is. Probably being lonely rather than so and so who did such and such.
Southern Fire seems to be about an accident and how that relates to sense of place. That place being scary old London. It’s my least favourite track. That might change.
Dirty Tables & Empty Glasses is a song about drinking and friendship. It’s downbeat and deadbeat but not without hope. It appears to reminisce objectively and does so successfully. What can I say? Micky Dey has made a fool of may.
Listen to Mickey Dey at Bandamp
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