It’s not ever so often that you come across a record that immediately feels special from the get go.
“The Flat Circle,” the latest release from Dessie Magee, dives deep into the emotional and raw realms of indie folk rock. Based in Brighton, Dessie’s band has carved out a unique sound that blends the introspective storytelling of Ben Howard with the gritty edge of Kings of Leon and the emotional depth of Lonely the Brave. It has that rough around the edges feel but also a deep sense of emotional core and euphoria. His vocals speak for themselves, a kind of lackadaisical power that’s undeniably gripping from “Graceless” onwards.
Recorded in a makeshift studio above a Brighton pub, this album is a tapestry of powerful narratives and stirring melodies. “There Be Wolves” tells the story of a man ensnared by a deceitful love, while “Graceless” offers a poignant critique on the long-term use of medication. Tracks like “Bandit” and “Life Design” explore themes of familial guilt and the struggle against one’s own mind, respectively, while “Retrain” touches on the human battle for self-control.
Dessie’s vocals carry the weight of personal loss and societal struggles, bringing each song to life with a haunting perseverance. The arrangements are thoroughly unique, the stories innately gripping, and the performance rivetingly real.