Melbourne's Dandelion Head dives deep into lo-fi folk with 'Sad Eyes'

Melbourne-based singer/songwriter Dandelion Head dives deep into lo-fi folk stylings with his latest single, ‘Sad Eyes’, which is the first single from his forthcoming album, ‘Two Hands’.

The solo project of musician J. Bynn, Dandelion Head’s latest single invokes sounds reminiscent of early Iron & Wine, and the ghostly mystique of Bon Iver. And the artist sees himself among great company, with Liam Gough (Teskey Brothers) on drums, Sean Kenihan (Northeast Party House) helping on production duties, and Casey Hartnett (Sui Zhen) mixing the record.

‘Sad Eyes’ paints tones of ochre and aquamarine through the softly strummed acoustic guitar and interwoven touches of psychedelia throughout this lo-fi folk gem. With the drums and bass packed in close and tight, J’s mesmerising doubled-up vocals are allowed to float, pan and give some air, with beds of synths, some 70s country rock guitar, and a slightly dirty lead riff that would please Morricone bouncing off each other in turn. It’s the soundtrack for the long journey from sunset, into the dawn, with the stars disappearing into the sunrise in unison with the harmonised hums.

After the split of his longtime band, Harper Blynn, J retreated to his garage studio to write, record and produce his debut solo album Yay Blynn (2017). A reaction to the big, outward sound of a band, the songs have a soft, introspective mood that explore the beauty and trouble that come with being in a relationship with someone from a faraway country.

Fast forward to the middle of 2021. J is living in his partner's hometown of Melbourne, where they have moved to have their first child, escape the raging of the pandemic in LA and lay down some songs for his 2nd record. But then, the intense lockdown of Melbourne hits. J starts in on the recording anyway, emerging with 12 new tracks that tell the story of a person in flux, finding his way through the change brought on by the birth of his child and by a world turning more chaotic by the day.

It's an expansive set of songs that deal with vulnerability, the search for connection, the hypocrisy of politicians and shapeshifters and the strength of love in a hectic time.

The album, ‘Two Hands’ will be released later this year, but for now, take in the single, ‘Sad Eyes’, and its accompanying music video.

You can also catch Dandelion Head supporting Richard Marx on his National Tour throughout March.