Light Up The Sky The Dunwells

• 1 Lucky Ones 04:04
• 2 Strange Feeling 03:36
• 3 Hey Now 03:30
• 4 Animal 03:58
• 5 Never Too Late 03:07
• 6 Communicate 04:48
• 7 Hurts 03:47
• 8 Light Up The Sky 03:41
• 9 Ghosts 03:30
• 10 She Whispers 04:04
• 11 Best Is Yet To Come 04:24
• 12 Will You Wait For Me 03:20
• Total Runtime 45:49

Info for Light Up The Sky

There may only be two members with the same surname, but The Dunwells are very much a band of brothers consisting of two siblings Joe (vocals, guitar) and David Dunwell (vocal, piano, guitar) and their two close school friends, Rob Clayton (bass) and Adam Taylor (drums). Hailing from Leeds, the band formed in 2009, drawn together by a mutual love of bands such as Bon Iver, Elbow, and Damien Rice. Joe (lead vocals) had this to say about the album:

“This is an album full of heart felt lyrics and powerful melodies, it's an album of hope, struggles with everyday life, sadness, happiness, honesty, the desire for more. It’s about being a human being with the same emotions as everyone else.”

The Dunwells have produced a unique blend of electro-infused, honest indie music, layered over endearing instrumentals that could only have been crafted straight from the heart, their lust for something more, and an unbreakable bond between them and their two childhood friends.

„…the fusion of rock and electronics recalls early Killers, while the down-to-earth songwriting nods towards Elbow.” (Clash)

Joseph Dunwell, vocal, guitar
David Dunwell, vocal, piano, guitar
Rob Clayton, bass
Adam Taylor, drums

The Dunwells
There may only be two members with the same surname, but The Dunwells are very much a band of brothers. Consisting of two siblings and two close school friends, the hardworking quartet from Leeds is preparing to release their new EP, LUCKY ONES, which Record of the Day has called “big, bold and even, at times, heroic… both inspiring and anthemic,”adding “[The Dunwells] have the tenacity and spirit to become a very big band.”

Indeed, that tenacity and spirit have brought the band members a long way since their school days. Joe Dunwell and his elder brother Dave grew up in a musical household and fondly recall flipping through their dad’s Bob Dylan and Beatles records, as well as hearing their mum singing along to Motown. Bassist Rob Clayton has been Dave’s best friend since childhood—in fact it was the Dunwell brothers’ dad who taught Rob how to play bass. Drummer Adam Taylor met Joe at college, where they bonded over their love of music. Joe explains, “When you put us together, our music becomes bigger than the four of us. There are moments when it stops being about how to put a song together, and we get a sudden feeling that something magical is happening around us.”

The Dunwells’ songwriting has grown over the years since school, enriched by extensive US and UK touring in support of the band’s 2013 debut, Blind Sighted Faith. “There were so many euphoric moments on tour, and we’ve tried to capture those feelings in the new songs,” says Dave. Those memorable moments included an appearance on Late Night With Jay Leno and performances at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Fest and the Bonnaroo Festival, as well as sold out shows across the UK.

Helping The Dunwells capture their best ideas on the new songs were producer Stephen Harris (U2, Kaiser Chiefs and The Wombats), songwriters Blair MacKichan (Sia) and James Flannigan (Kodaline), and Manny Marroquin (Kanye West, Rihanna, Pink), who mixed title track “Lucky Ones.” After being on tour for such a long stretch of time, the band had a renewed sense of self, which inspired much of their writing for this new EP. “Being away from home re-affirmed our identity,” remembers Dave. This sentiment was reinforced in Harris’ studio, an hour north of Leeds. “We felt at home there,” recalls Joe. “That northern feel was important. Not because we’re ‘a northern band,’ but there’s something about Stephen’s production that gives our songs a sense of place.” That strong sense of local pride shines through in songs like “Lucky Ones,” whose sentiment is universal but which is underpinned by a very English-strutting sound. “It’s about saying ‘Yeah, we are the lucky ones, come over here and look at us,’” explains Dave. “It’s not arrogance, but a reminder of how lucky we all are to be alive and how great life can be.”

Booklet for Light Up The Sky