Search - Sons & Daughters :: Dance Me in

Dance me in!

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 01/12/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most unique young bands of the last year is Sons and Daughters, a Scottish band that sets Celtic folk rhythms in a swirl of punk-rock. And in their stunning debut album "Repulsion Box," one of the best songs is the hard-edged, organic dance tune "Dance Me In."



This single/EP kicks off with the title track: energetic, sparse and full of steely bounciness, like a rubber ball studded with spikes. Adele Bethel sings in an angelic, rapid-fire manner: "Remind me of the young/just dance me in!" It sounds like a Scottish reel during the height of punk.



It includes another song from the "Love the Cup" EP, the dark, intense, swirling rocker "Blood." The song's instrumentation is good enough, but that hypnotic chant of "you're in my bloooood/my blooood" is chilling.



Along with these two album tracks, there are three songs not included on either the EP or the full-length album, which explore Sons and Daughters' folkier side, and show that rock isn't all they can do. "Come in Out of the Rain" is a bouncy little guitar ditty accompanied by tambourines and claps, and "Poor Company" is an enchanting, low-key little ballad. "Drunk Medicine" follows "Blood's" example with a hypnotic, sparse beat filled with low, drawn-out singing.



The "Dance Me In" single definitely illustrates Sons and Daughters' strengths, by including two of their best songs, one from each release. But it's a great place for newbies of the band to get acquainted with their sound, both the folkiness and the dark, edgy rock. By the end of the final song, you're left yearning for more.



And their sound is especially refreshing in a musical era where every other band is copying Joy Division, the Rolling Stones, and other classic rock bands. This one goes back to the pre-rock roots -- yes, they use Celtic folk rhythms. But they do give it originality, freshness and creativity -- they give it fresh "Blood."



Adele Bethel sounds like a sullen angel in the rockier songs, before switching to a more fragile, soft style by the end. She's also joined by Scott Paterson, who sings flawless harmony, and occasionally yells "wanna be my LOVER?" Their guitar skills are joined by explosive bass and percussion, and even a mandolin here and there.



"Dance Me In" is a good place for people to get acquainted with Sons and Daughters, but fans will want to hear the folkier side of this talented young band. Dance me in!"