Nigel Godrich and Dhani Harrison, two musical powerhouses, have come together to form Dragonflies, a supergroup that promises to be a super-duper-group. The collaboration, which began as a COVID-era conversation, has resulted in a self-titled debut album set to be released on September 18th via Dark Horse Records/BMG. This album is a testament to the unique creative process of the pair, who worked together in Harrison's Brixton studio, with a percussion-based assist from Godrich's bandmate Joey Waronker.
What makes this collaboration particularly fascinating is the dynamic between the two artists. Harrison, who has recently returned to his native England, took on the role of singer and guitarist, while Godrich, who has been on a hiatus from touring and recording, shaped the material in real-time. This shift in roles is a testament to the evolution of their friendship and the creative energy that arises when they come together.
The resulting album is a blend of organic and electronic sounds, with Harrison's performances sitting atop layered, hand-played grooves. This fusion of styles is reminiscent of trip-hop, with echoes of Portishead's Beth Gibbons, Japan's David Sylvian, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. The album is a kind of earthbound space rock, transportive and far-reaching, without leaning on psychedelic cliché.
One thing that immediately stands out is the influence of Godrich's work with Radiohead. The layered, atmospheric sounds that he brings to the table are a hallmark of his production style, and they are evident in the album's sound. However, Dragonflies is not just a Radiohead-lite; it is a unique and distinct sound that is all its own.
The release of the single 'Slower' is a taste of what's to come. The song typifies the core of the record, with Harrison's performances sitting atop layered, hand-played grooves that hover between organic and electronic. The accompanying music video, featuring trippy animation from RUFFMERCY, is a visual feast that complements the song's ethereal sound.
In my opinion, Dragonflies is a testament to the power of creative collaboration. It is a project that has brought together two musical visionaries, resulting in a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The album is a reminder that sometimes the best music comes from the most unexpected places, and that the creative process can be a beautiful, collaborative dance.
What many people don't realize is that this collaboration is not just a one-off project. It is a testament to the enduring friendship and creative partnership between Godrich and Harrison. The fact that they have come together to create something new and exciting is a reminder that the music industry is a place where creativity and innovation can thrive, even in the midst of change and stillness.
