At just four tracks long, Little Drum’s ‘Darling Ocean EP’ finds its way into your heart with meticulous ease. Just the simple acoustic strumming on the titular track itself puts you in such an inescapable state of bliss and calm. It’s hard to put in words just how innately relaxing this record is. There could be a riot happening outside, a divorce fight right next to you, a traffic jam you’re stuck in, but ‘Darling Ocean’ will, without fail, have you completely immersed in absolute tranquillity. The song discusses giving in and overcoming your darkest fears and obstacles. Rather than live in fear of what may come, dive in and embrace the unknown without fretting.
The three piece folk outfit have a storied background, one that makes their current immaculate arrangements and compositions seem a lot more conceivable. Two of the members, Matty and Pauline, have known each other since the mid 90s. At the time, Pauline was signed as a solo artist to the label Cheeky Records and Matty was with the band Skinny. Their experience had them explore the world of song writing, collaborating with storied artists like Paolo Nutini and Dido. They met their third member, Donny through Nutini as Donny was playing guitar for the Scottish soul rock and folk musician. Although they decided to collectively embark on creating their own collective music in 2014, the plan was set back when Donny moved back to the United States. Finally, like many an artist, it was when the pandemic hit and Donny moved back to the UK that the process was reignited. The first of three, ‘Darling Ocean EP’ sets an impressively high standard for a folk trio that’s got miles to grow.
There’s a simplicity to each piece, not just in the stripped back composition, but also the messaging that Little Drum comes with. A song like Runner is all about the two sided nature of relationships, how one person inevitably falls more than the other. The chorus, a simple ‘runner, runner’ repetition makes for a soothing experience to cherish. Others, like ‘Traffic And The Rain’ are all about appreciating what we have rather than fixate on those who might have it better than us.
A masterful folk album, a special one.