Flint & Tinder - Flint & Tinder

​Flint & Tinder

Flint & Tinder
self-released; 2017

3.7 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry
​

Hailing from the foothills of northern California, Flint & Tinder is an acoustic group that incorporates elements of many genres into a unique, intriguing style. The band has a rich history of members with David Martin the primary singer and songwriter of the group being the common denominator throughout. Released in January of 2017, Flint & Tinder is a collection of seven original songs ranging from folk to funk and from gypsy waltz to epic soundtrack music. 

​“Through A Pinhole” starts off the album with a rush of energy and introduces the listener to the band’s typical soundscape: an acoustic guitar, violin and bass guitar undergirding Martin’s full voice. Jazzy chords mixed with sweet notes from the violin blend well with the carefree, yet precise, vocal melodies to create a head-bobbing, relaxing beachfront sound with hints of folk peppered throughout the song.

The band’s technical skill is highlighted in “Infinite Beach” as lightning-paced guitar backs up Martin’s unfettered singing, which reaches far into his range. A pulsing violin brings an added rhythm to the track, just as it does in the melody of “Gypsy Pirate Waltz” a slow paced, yet energetic track that lives up to its name with ease and style.

A subdued beat opens “No Giving Up” a harmonic funk song that expands and gradually crescendos as the tune progresses to include synthesizer sounds, gently strummed guitar chords, lush strings and tight vocal harmonies. The beautiful “Set Sail” features arpeggiated chords on multiple instruments that coalesce into a full, ambient soundscape that Martin sings sweetly over.

Unconventional instrumentation brings additional flavor to the record in “Illuminocity” a reflective piece that borders somewhere between folk, soft psychedelic rock and reggae. The album comes to an end with “Watersong” a song that slowly but surely runs the gamut of the band’s special talent, whether in vocals or in instrumentation. As a whole, this album sheds light on Flint & Tinder’s natural ability to create, perform and record quality music and stands as a testament to the band’s extraordinary potential and musical mastery.

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