Earnestness Shines Through In Drew Danburry’s 'Goodnight Dannii'
Danburry delivers a truly well assembled collection of music.
Drew Danburry
Goodnight Dannii
Released on Apr 26, 2010
Southern California’s own, Drew Danburry has been sharing his work for about eight years. This go-getter has put his own name out there with no one to thank but himself. Over the last few years he has toured the country playing at any and every venue possible. Danburry’s live shows have been summarized as a representation of his ambition; working as hard at live shows as he does to market his music. Indisputably, the ambition for his musical career put him where he is today. Goodnight Dannii follows the trend with a collection of genuine, emotion-ridden tracks.
The album opens quaintly with “Nirvana, by Kurt Cobain,” a song seemingly having nothing to do with Cobain from the exterior. The personal and delicate whisperings of Danburry’s voice come together with the tickling of guitar beautifully. Lyrically this song tells the vague story of Cobain and Courtney Love and the ultimate demise of a great musician and showman. Danburry’s homage to a respected influence couldn’t be done more tastefully. It’s a quick track at 2:27 yet, with concision and tune expressing a thorough reflection.
“The Train Has A Family, The Road Has No Home, There's No Right & Wrong In The Choice Alone” follows, works his way into a blast of harmonies and confusing effects. Is that the phone ringing? Why yes it is. And of course, how could it be complete without howling dogs? Building from voice and guitar ditties to a full band lifts collective spirits and at times provides a strange experience for the listener.
Moving right along to the amusingly named “Optimus Prime is Dead.” Beginning with a collection of “Shoo-wap’s” and breaking into an uplifting chorus singing of a far away love. This fun and nerdy tune tells about how Optimus Prime can’t protect her anymore.
“Artex Died In Truth Or Consequences, NM,” one of the catchiest of this albums tunes, plays further into the sci-fi nerdom Danburry does so well at crafting. A playful track singing of the imaginative worlds we live in. He sings, “But if the bad guys came with their many hordes do you think we could unify?” The ability to craft lyrics that speak in the language of imagination was one I knew better as a child, but resonates past memories emphatically. Songs like this are so rare to come by and imbue childhood memories.
The album’s capped with “Gorilla Biscuits,” an insight into Danburry’s world and every hesitant chap. This song speaks volumes and plays into the succinctness Danburry is so well at crafting. He explains every man has insecurities and earnestness to be as good of a person as he can. The line, “I've tried my hardest and of course I will again, I promise I won't ever give up,” says a lot not only about his values, but his motivations as well.
High Point
A great modern lyricist—fun, imaginative and emotional.
Low Point
Succinctness works well with lyrics, not always with the whole of a song; “Aubrey Debauchery” and "Non à McMerde" could be elaborated on, providing their own beauty.
Posted by Daniel Wehrli on Apr 27, 2010 @ 9:00 am