Omaha-based DL Diedrich has been releasing material for almost eight years. His catalog is eclectic and prolific, with multiple solo material releases, as well as many recordings with bands like Spiders for Love. His latest EP, Where Have You Been, is under the moniker of MC DL. It is perhaps his most focused yet, with a greater sense of attention to detail and slightly more polished sound- not saying it's "radio-friendly" by any means (that's a compliment).
The EP opens with "You Can Change," a slow tempo acoustic dance sing along that has a clear message- you can change whatever you want about yourself, but just don't change me. "Anything Everything" sounds like nothing like everything Diedrich has released before. It's a song that drags and falls apart at times, which is perfect for its mood.
"See Me" is the first song that really caught my attention. Maybe it's my bias, but it's also the song that picks the tempo up. Strangely, it reminds me of a stripped down alternative rock song from the early 90s ala Soul Asylum or R.E.M. "Ah...Ah...Ah...Ahhhhh" is an arrangement that is also a different rhythmic direction from previous releases for Diedrich.
The strongest track is "Do Song." Not only is it the catchiest track, but it's also the most sunny. For fans of Diedrich's earlier work, it's probably the closest thing to it. Don't be fooled, though. There is still reality somewhere lurking below.
"TJ (For Troy)" and "Beautiful Giant" are quite the contrast for two songs that are back to back. "TJ" is clearly more keyboard based, and "Giant" is a low-fi back porch traditional acoustic number. The one thing that both of them have in common is that they are dark, like many of Diedrich's songs.
Diedrich has always had a special skill of writing dark songs that sometimes are disguised as sunny, though. Someone should call the Coen brothers and let them know they are really missing out on the perfect songs for the soundtracks to their films. Where Have You Been, to me, is about being trapped in existence. Sometimes, it is better to be trapped if you've got no place better to go.
The EP is available for "name your price" here.
"See Me" is the first song that really caught my attention. Maybe it's my bias, but it's also the song that picks the tempo up. Strangely, it reminds me of a stripped down alternative rock song from the early 90s ala Soul Asylum or R.E.M. "Ah...Ah...Ah...Ahhhhh" is an arrangement that is also a different rhythmic direction from previous releases for Diedrich.
The strongest track is "Do Song." Not only is it the catchiest track, but it's also the most sunny. For fans of Diedrich's earlier work, it's probably the closest thing to it. Don't be fooled, though. There is still reality somewhere lurking below.
"TJ (For Troy)" and "Beautiful Giant" are quite the contrast for two songs that are back to back. "TJ" is clearly more keyboard based, and "Giant" is a low-fi back porch traditional acoustic number. The one thing that both of them have in common is that they are dark, like many of Diedrich's songs.
Diedrich has always had a special skill of writing dark songs that sometimes are disguised as sunny, though. Someone should call the Coen brothers and let them know they are really missing out on the perfect songs for the soundtracks to their films. Where Have You Been, to me, is about being trapped in existence. Sometimes, it is better to be trapped if you've got no place better to go.
The EP is available for "name your price" here.
No comments:
Post a Comment