Jackdaw4
website/url]JACKDAW4 biography - August 2008
Two years after the critically acclaimed debut album Gramophone Logic, Jackdaw4 released their follow up, titled Bipolar Diversions, via Cargo Records in April 2008. It's a beautifully constructed album, which combines vital energy with instantly memorable songs, with hints of influence ranging from Squeeze, Jellyfish, 10CC, The Beach Boys and XTC, amongst others.
The immediacy of the songs will have you grinning from ear to ear, and each play will reveal another subtle layer, another nuance. Bipolar Diversions is set to be one of the classic albums in any music collection.
Bipolar Diversions has received amazing reviews (see highlights on the next page)
Based in London, Jackdaw4 is the brainchild of Willie Dowling (ex 90's Top 10 band Honeycrack.) Willie is the chief singer, songwriter and producer of Bipolar Diversions, who has drawn from a bank of musical influences to create some unique and extraordinary songs, laced with acute observations and character portraits.
Willie Dowling is well known as a composer for both TV and film, writing music for such comedy luminaries as Armstrong & Miller, Steve Coogan (Dr Terrible’s House of Horror), Rob Brydon and Julia Davis (Human Remains) and to name just a few (further credits at www.williedowling.co.uk)
Jackdaw4 are performing the title track to the new high profile BBC2 comedy The Cup, which starts on the 23rd of August.
On stage, as on record, Dowling is accompanied by, John Steel, Andy Lewis, Guy James and Andy Robertson, whose wealth of musical experience and ability ensures Jackdaw4 delivers astonishing live performances.
Jackdaw4 toured extensively across the UK following the release of their first album, Gramophone Logic. In 2007 and 2008 Jackdaw4 have played several sold out gigs in the London area, to tie in with with the release of Bipolar Diversions.
Jackdaw4 are currently playing live gigs as well as recording songs for their next album, due for release in 2009.
REVIEWS HIGHLIGHTS for Bipolar Diversions
"... vocalist Willie Dowling (Honeycrack) orchestrates a mesh of strings and horns that puts you in mind of Jellyfish at their most adventurous. Like the latter, all musical reference points are writ large (do a shot every time there’s a nod to Brian Wilson, 10cc and the Beatles and you’ll be drunk before the album’s end), but it’s beautifully done."
Phil Wilding, Classic Rock
"... Slightly glammy power poppers - fond of early Elton John as well as Bowie..."
Time Out
" As if were needed, further proof of Willie Dowling’s songwriting credentials "
Dave Ling, Music Journalist
"... quite cunningly dodge any pigeon-holing shenanigans by being slightly different, majestic, out-of-space and so Goddamn happy!"
Room Thirteen
" Bipolar Diversions is insane. It laughs in the face of super-serious pop shoe gazers and smirks ironically at this year's pop darlings as they clutch desperately at pop's coat-tails. Jackdaw4 grin from ear to ear as they reel off hook after hook, which float effortlessly around 70's pop kitsch, Blur style irony and even ELO harmonies."
Fuseweb
Album of the Year "Every song is a mini-masterpiece of arranging and inspired performance. The title track is not only gorgeous, it offers the sonic equivalent of bi-polar disorder, an audible analog of what a person experiences. "My Little Gangsta" covers the same territory as XTC's "No Thugs in Our House," with comparable flare. But it's those soaring voices that continue to suck you in. "
Mike Baron, NotLame
Album of the Year "This album is what I hope every new album I listen to in a given year will be but so few are: So insanely, disgustingly catchy throughout that I don't even think about skipping a track "
ThisIsWhatWeDoNow.com
Album of the Year "Every track is relevatory, without any weakness and will have you crying for more. Thank you Willie Dowling, chief singer, songwriter and producer of "Bipolar Diversions"
Powerpopaholic
“Jackdaw4's new CD is 120% recommended for any fan of full blown, hook filled, well crafted power pop. It's tough to get any better than this!”
Jay, Popbang Radio
" Ten tracks that run the gauntlet of classic pop and rock sounds, all shot through with Willie's typical lyrical wit and way with a chord change "
Darren Stockford, Last FM
"Jackdaw4 has to be the greatest band in England at this time... 10 out of 5 stars." SugarBuzz Magazine.
"Their aptly titled new album sees virtually every song characterized by abrupt chord, tempo, and stylistic changes which reflect various moods"
Not Lame
" This will easily make my top ten albums of the year and give it a listen and I'd bet it would make yours!"
Jason Ritchie, Get Ready To Rock
" Well my friends, Jackdaw4 is this year's model. And if that means anything to you, you can thank me as soon as you get your hands on this album and listen to the first few seconds of it while a huge grin plasters itself across your face "
TIWWDN, ThisIsWhatWeDoNow.com