SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: D.D. DANAHY – D3

D.D. DANAHY
D3
INDEPENDENT

Darren Douglas Danahy, known as D.D. Danahy, now also known as D3 is a very talented musician and artist. He is a member of Keldari Station, The Amaretto Sours, and Hidden Frequency. He has also released several solo records; D3 is his first album since 2025’s Half-Baked. Last year he re-released an album, Symphony From Space, which had originally been released in 2012 under the name The Trinity but now under his own name. Over the years, Danahy, either with a band or solo, has experimented with many different sounds and genres. This album, which actually began life as an EP, is rooted in 1980s synthpop, but that does not mean it is dated. Quite the opposite.

“Crystal Cages,” for example, employs the 1980s synth sound, but is more akin to 1970s synthesizers. The steady beat makes more into the 1980s, but the upbeat pop song becomes something else combining the two decades. He expands the playing field. This is not simply a retro track. He uses older genres like instruments.

Danahy will also come up with songs such as “An Even FUNNIER Feeling” (which is credited to him and Cousin Silas), which takes you into the future wi,t electronic music. Its heaviness is played off with the layered synth and computer sounds. And not forgetting the other collaboration with Cousin Silas, “Sooner Than You Think,” which is a slow burn, and very dramatic with very cool theremin vibes thrown in for good measure.

A number of songs receive the remix treatment, which really create all new songs. “Sooner Or Later,” a wonderful, dark synthpop song with brilliant and brooding lyrics, takes on new lives when remixed by Flack or John Willoughby. The song is not extended but rather stripped back and a very different feel is created. The same can be said for “A Funny Feeling” with remixes as well.

It is difficult to sum up this album in a review. He starts with a blank canvas of sound and creates beauty and so much more. D3 is an album that requires a great deal of attention. Danahy crafts incredible melodies, and he writes great lyrics. My only complaint is that he should sing more often. He may not have a clear understanding of just how good of a singer he really is. His voice is expressive, passionate, and emotive. The songs, dealing with personal growth and even rebirth, really hit home with his wonderful presentation. D3 has been a long time coming, but worth the wait. Danahy is a very talented individual and he has produced a very strong, brilliant album.

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