The Dufflefolks are a something of a musical idiosyncrasy. Formed in Hertfordshire in early 2006, their kaleidoscopic musical influences and enthusiasm as multi-instrumentalists has resulted in a standout brand of experimental indie, prompting Mark Cooper, Head of BBC Music Entertainment, to remark “great songs…[The Dufflefolks are] eclectic and wittyâ€.
The band’s debut EP “Reassure The Jitteryâ€, recorded in deepest East London, showcases their abilities as synthesists, appropriating sounds from a number of different genres including experimental indie rock, electronica, folk and ambience. From the Yann Tiersen/Françoise Hardy-inspired cool of “Paris Café†to the wry college rock of “American Sitcomâ€, from the wistful “I’ll Be A Magician†to the Can-esque improvisation of “Play-A-Pianoâ€, the EP is rich in differing textures that all carry the sonic hallmark of “Dufflefolkdomâ€.
Word of mouth promotion has resulted in the band being asked to play at The Brick Lane Gallery’s “Peace Camp†and at Canterbury Arts College Annual Film Night. Airplay on Bob and Roberta Smith’s “Make Your Own Damn Music†show on Resonance FM, as well as on podcasting station Motif Radio, has further exposed The Dufflefolks, with copies of the EP being heard from New York to New Zealand. The EP has also occupied a coveted space in Jonny Greenwood’s car stereo much to the bewilderment of the band.
The Dufflefolks started life as a two-piece, with Daniel Davies and Louis Gilbert committing song sketches and soundscapes to tape. They quickly realised the potential of their output and drafted in school friends Ben O’Mara, Simon Messenger and Carl Bigmore in order to flesh out songs with additional parts. Ben, Simon and Carl also bought new material to the band and have helped provide The Dufflefolks with an enviable arsenal of instruments and as yet unrecorded material.
At their live shows, The Dufflefolks rarely stay on the same instruments for more than one or two songs at a time, darting between a mix of fractured guitars, bass, drums and keys, and their less orthodox instruments; an accordion, wine glasses, toy piano, harmonium, iBook, Korg Kaoss Pad and glockenspiel, the latter prompting one audience member to dub them “glock rockâ€; a moniker which has long since stuck within the band.
This is the video for our song "Dance Dance Dance" !
