Darwin Deez : 'Darwin Deez'
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Released: 12th April 2010
Label: Lucky Number
Lauded as one the next big things, not to mention the coolest moustache in music, New York indie chap Darwin Deez's synonymous debut album shows infrequent glimpses of inspiration to justify his billing.
Deez brandishes a distinctive style to match his equally distinctive facial hair, and it is this that provides the majority of his appeal. Chunky, sonorous chords supply the bedrock for most of the tracks, the charming “In The Sky” and the massive “Constellations” being prime examples. Whilst the former twinkles dreamily above clean guitar strumming, the later uses the guitar as it's focal point. Deez fits around it knowingly with a captivating voice; soft in tone yet with a definitive punch, it is more than easy on the ear.
Yet it is this distinctive style that eventually proves a problem. Frequent over use exposes a lack of originality and, in truth, some below par tracks. Whilst appealing at first, chunky chords turn “The City” into a bland dirge, devoid of inspiration and too reliant on it's musical basis. “Deep Sea Divers” becomes a pedestrian affair despite an appealing vocal melody, and “Bomb Song” wastes early promise in favour of that familiar chord repetition.
When Deez actually changes the format, it is a joy to behold. “Bed Space” is a quirky delight, echoed percussion and a heartfelt vocal performance finally demonstrating the extent of his evident talents, yet it is closing track “Bad Day” that proves the album's unlikely star. Full of wit, invention and charm, it's laid back style and varied instrumentation is a wonderful refreshment. Opening with “I hope that the last page of your eight hundred page novel is missing”. it is clear Deez is at his best when having a bit of fun.
And that is perhaps the biggest problem with Darwin Deez. Despite showing snippets of genuine promise, these get lost amidst a repetitive formula and some very average tracks. It is clear that Deez has talent, and it is clear that he is trying to impress, but all too often he simply ends up frustrating. Although the pros do indeed outweigh the cons, the margin is far closer than it should have been.
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Reply #5 on : Mon July 04, 2011, 13:46:38