Miky Dunn’s almost entirely solo expedition, ‘Sycophantic Romantic’, clearly is a labour of love from an artist who really enjoys the craft of production and composition from back to end. Having written, performed, and produced the entire record end to end (aside from the drums), it’s a raw and revealing piece of garage/alternative styled rock music. The riffs are infectious, powerful, and gripping. Dunn’s own vocal performance feels pained and laborious at times, but manages to pull you in with his ever so evocative tone switches and gritty growls.
From the raucous and punch opening that is Dissident Narrative, you’re immediately greeted with the sheer breadth of talent that this Exeter based multi-faceted song-writer, instrumentalist, and producer has to offer. With a raging riff, a roaring vocal performance, and a ridiculously addictive solo, it’s rock and roll that hits all the right notes. And the melodies never seem to dry down or leave you bored for a moment. Songs like ‘Vanity’ are more morose, sombre, and convey that melancholy while still delivering catchy rock and roll compositions for you to sink yourself into. Perhaps the most impressive and my personal favourite piece comes in the record’s titular track itself. Opening much softer and containing Dunn’s most impressive vocal performance, it’s a ballad that really opens itself out to you and finds its way into your own heart.
‘Sycophantic Romantic’ isn’t the most polished or clean records, but it’s rawness lends it a sense of stripped down purity in a holistic sense. Miky Dunn is remarkably talented and there’s so much to enjoy across this record.