The debut single, “Very Cherry,” from Charlottetown, PEI’s latest five-piece hipsters The Moneygoround, has landed, and what a groovy little number it is. Fab and effortless radio-friendly pop music transporting you back into the heart of ‘Carnaby Street’ and the Swinging Sixties, where life, at least the version history would have us recall, felt all the more free-and-easy.
Taking their name from The Kinks’ song about the trials and misfortunes in the music industry, the band features the popular and versatile Dennis Ellsworth (vocals/guitar), who is joined by his wife Katie McGarry (keys/vocals), and rounded out by Dan Currie (guitar/vocals), Sam Langille (bass) and Josh Langille (drums). Collectively, their sound incorporates mild hints of psychedelia, with dexterous keyboards playing, and slightly fuzzy guitars all wrapped around catchy melodies and simple, yet engaging hooks. Production duties are handled by musician Joel Plaskett, who adds his touches behind the console at Fang Recording in Dartmouth, NS.
Lyrically, “Very Cherry” spans the bridge that divides a previous relationship of songwriter Dennis Ellsworth’s with the more positive relationship he currently enjoys. It’s a fun, catchy love song that draws strong inspirations from “Surf City,” from the sixties vocal duo Jan and Dean who coined the phrase “very cherry” in that particular song. “This is a love song. It’s a song about promising. It is about dedication to someone else’s happiness,” shares Ellsworth. “It is a declaration of your loved one’s excellence. It’s a simple and romantic idea.”
After a year filled with lock-downs and pandemic imposed restrictions it’s difficult to understand why people wouldn’t want to vibe off songs such as this, with a breezy charm and fresh appeal. The single also offers an exciting glimpse into their forthcoming album, “Cruisin’ And Swingin’,” scheduled for release in the spring. I’m staying tuned, and hoping that Moneygoround helps lead us all back to happier and more carefree days.
On that final note, it seems an apt and fitting time to wish all of the readers, and Martin, Lesley, and all the team at Great Dark Wonder, a wonderful Christmas and happiest of all New Year’s. Together, let’s make life in 2022 that much more beautiful.
Photo Credit: Heather Doyle
Music has been a lifelong passion, a journey that as a child embraced the late 60's counter culture and has lasted until the present day. Despite trying to play guitar for the best part of 45 years, to his own frustration, never much beyond the first four bars of “Stairway to Heaven.” A self-confessed vinyl junkie, his other interests include collecting music memorabilia, old Muhammad Ali fight programs, and watching film. He lives alone in Nottingham (England) and still uses the term “Groovy” - these two facts may be intrinsically connected.
