SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: D. D. DANAHY – HALF – BAKED

D. D. DANAHY
HALF – BAKED
INDEPENDENT

D. D. Danahy is an interesting and talented artist, perhaps best known for being one half of Keldari Station or most recently for the music he has made with The Amaretto Sours. He has also released a lot of music as a solo artist. This new album, Half – Baked is the result of years of recording, some of which Danahy thought he had lost. Danahy has noted that he considers some of the music on this album as ‘unfinished’, but to these ears the songs sound perfectly complete.

The beauty of Half – Baked is that from the opening funky/reggae/world music sounds of “AI&I&I” to the synthy and Devoesque “Antisocial Media”, to the more guitar- driven rock sounds of “Empathy”, he does each style perfectly. “Falling Down” is a lovely acoustic song with fantastic lyrics, and it builds into a full-fledged rock song. That is the beauty of Danahy, one is never sure in which direction he is taking the song, never mind the album.

Lyrically and vocally, Danahy is on top of his game. Songs like “(This Is Not) The Future” and “Never Seen That Face” are very different from one another, but Danahy is able to use the best vocal and phrasing for each song. The same can be said throughout the album. Danahy’s lyrics are about desolation and isolation while at the same time he conveys hope and striving for better in each song. “Pastiche”, on the other hand, shows what Danahy can do with an instrumental. It is a brilliant song.

Danahy is a brilliant artist, who uses his influences like a recipe. He borrows and listens and mixes them into a pot and he comes out with his own distinct sound and style. The album is far from Half – Baked. It is an album that has a number of singles on it but plays as an album. For best results, start at the beginning, relax and enjoy the ride. Danahy is an immense talent, and this album is proof of that statement. He produces, writes and plays practically everything on his own and is able to demonstrate a great deal of restraint. He can rock out on guitar, but he chooses little bursts here and there.

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