 Fear
of Flying
I’m not sure what to call these guys.
Americana troubadours? Uh, alterna-folksters? Anyway, Daniels
is another in the long line of Bonnie
Prince Billy and Andrew Bird
and all the other dudes who I resist listening to because I
can only take so much creaky, depressing music. I’m not
really certain whom this music is meant to appeal to other than
music critics, and some college radio DJs in the Midwest, but
it does have a certain something that burrows into your head.
The music is incredibly simple and pretty minimal--mostly plucked
guitar, a bass drum, some foot stomping, etc.--with most of
the melody coming from Daniels’ voice, and some harmonies.
There are times where you’re just waiting for him to bust
out, but it doesn’t happen. And then there’s "Martha
Ann," easily the best song on the album, complete with
horns, fiddles, female harmonies, electric guitar, and a drive
that's lacking throughout the rest of the album (not that it's
mandatory). But, wait, I spoke too soon. The next couple songs
are pretty kickin’. And then not. I think we have here
a guy who can’t decide if he wants to be the craggy acoustic
guy, or the rousing pop dude. He’s pretty good at the
latter, so maybe he'll lean more that direction on his next
album and really nail it. He could be the next Andrew Bird! |
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