Yorkshire-born, London-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ethan P. Flynn studied briefly at Guildhall School for Music and Drama but dropped out. There was good reason as he gained production and writing credits on records by David Byrne and FKA twigs, along with his own record deal. He has also collaborated with artists such as slowthai, Jockstrap and Black Country, New Road. His debut album `Abandon All Hope` was released last month and he arrived in Birmingham on the first of nine dates around the UK before heading into Europe.
The set opened with an edited version of `Crude Oil` as it`s sixteen minutes long on the recent album, a number that meanders along and is kind of part spoken word with a cello adding its tender tones. Title track `Abandon All Hope` follows and it`s a much faster paced offering.
Most of the latest album is shared with tracks such as the loose `Clutching Your Pearls`, the edgy `No Shadow` and twisting `Bad Weather` included.
We dip into the past with the introspective `Vegas Residency` and compelling `Father Of Nine` from the Universal Deluge EP along with `Everybody`s Dying To Meet You` from the `B-Sides & Rarities : Vol 1` collection and the thoughtful `Used To It` a standalone single.
This fifty five minute set closed with `Demolition` from the latest release with the oddly appealing lyric “i`m not your little bastard anymore,” a track that`s full of anger and angst.
Ethan shared that he was joined by the musicians who helped to bring his album to light who I think were introduced as Felix Stephens on Cello, Ava Gore on backing vocals, percussion, and synth possibly and Liam Toone on drums.
Ethan P. Flynn has been described as a kind of Jonathan Richman for the post-Millennial era which has some merit but for me if a tag is required I’d place him nearer to Beck with his intricate wordplay and Slacker rock lo-fi sound.
ETHAN P FLYNN @ HARE & HOUNDS 2, BIRMINGHAM, MONDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2023.
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