Dan Black : 'Un'
Released: 13th July 2009
Label: Polydor
In an increasingly electro dominated market, there is consistently the rather large task of separating the “wheat from the chaff”. With many struggling to find a fresh sound the risk of duplication and down right imitation is always high. So it is always pleasing when an act with a unique, memorable sounds brightens up the scenery. In other words, Dan Black is 100%, top quality “wheat”.
Using samples and synths in glorious fashion Black manages to create fresh tracks with a familiar tinge. Opener “Symphonies” possesses a dramatic air accompanied by the drumbeat from Rihanna's “Umbrella”, creating a unique mix of electro, classical and R n B. Although admittedly an horrific mix on paper, each element blends together with remarkable success. Possessing a solid voice with a occasional hint of Thom Yorke, Black complements his creations well without becoming intrusive. “Ecstasy” features a subtle beat and synth crescendos whilst the vocals float nicely above it. Whilst a solid track, it does not come off as well the slightly more up beat “Wander” or the beautifully dreamy “Let Go”, where Black really does come into his own. Such a delicately composed track, with all manner of instruments blended and perfectly poised, is perfectly complemented by a faultless vocal performance featuring an impressive range.
Black also delivers a delicious injection of funk that complements his understated electro very well indeed. “Alone” features a bouncy bass line of epic proportion fused with glistening synths and a slightly Yorke-esque vocal melody. Combine that with a solid drum beat and you have a track brimming with influences, intricacies and inspirations. Interestingly named “Pump My Pumps” again bristles with funk influences whilst managing to remain fully in the electro arena. A pulsating bass line allows a creeping synth to build to a memorable chorus and a wonderfully executed riff. Despite it's variety of influences, it is easy to imagine the track being a club favourite in the future, a sentiment echoed with “Fuck it, let's dance like we've been possessed.”
And just when you think you have Mr Black figured out, “Cocoon” transforms into a beautiful and heartfelt ballad filled with group vocals and and subtle acoustic guitars. Far from being a satisfactory effort, the track grows slowly over four minutes to become a ballad that would not look out of place on an acoustic artist's album. It appears that Dan Black is somewhat of a rarity in today's music industry. A jack of all trades, but a master of most.
Words: Dan Grose
Write a comment
- Required fields are marked with *.
-->