SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DANIEL ROMANO – MODERN PRESSURE

Daniel Romano
Modern Pressure
New West Records

Modern Pressure is solo album number seven for this prolific artist, and for the most part, no two albums sound the same. He has also been in a number of bands (Attack in Black; Daniel, Fred & Julie) as well as recording under a pseudonym, Ancient Shapes. Modern Pressure was recorded in a cabin in Finnsäs, Sweden, with some additional work in Toronto. Romano produced the album, and it was engineered by long time collaborator, Kenneth Meehan. Otherwise, Romano is responsible for everything you hear.

One of the many things I have always admired about Daniel Romano is that he does not repeat himself. Each album is a new sound. There is no way of knowing what one will hear with a new release from Mr. Romano. He has recorded folk, country (1960s/1970s country to be more accurate, pre Urban Cowboy), pop, rock, and punk. I would not be surprised if he released an album of his version of polkas.

Modern Pressure is Romano channelling late ’60s, to late ’70s Bob Dylan. This is not saying he copies Dylan, or that style, but the feeling, overall production, arrangements and Romano’s voice, are all reminiscent of this time period for Dylan.

From the opening of “Ugly Human Heart, Pt. 1” to the concluding “What’s To Become of The Meaning of Love?”, the songs take a journey into the past. Backwards guitar (“What’s To Become of the Meaning of Love”) and sitar (“I Tried To Hold The World (In My Mouth)”) infuse a Beatles (more specifically George Harrison) sound into the mix, and it ALL works. Romano is a smart and talented artist. He pulls it off.

Romano writes very clever songs, with interesting lyrics that will take months to truly figure out, and he keeps the music interesting throughout. His albums are like his career: you don’t know what direction he is going in, even within the structure of the album. You basically click your seatbelt and let him drive.

The songs are well recorded and even though the album seems to be all over a Bob Dylan landscape map, Romano fits everything together and presents a coherent, consistent album.

Romano never disappoints, and this album is no exception. His last album, Mosey was released in 2016, and he pretty much releases an album a year.  The fact that he has released so much music over the past ten years speaks to his ability to write and produce. He is a true talent.

Modern Pressure Track Listing

1. Ugly Human Heart Pt. I
2. Modern Pressure
3. Roya
4. Pride of Queens
5. When I Learned Your Name
6. Sucking The Old World Dry
7. Ugly Human Heart Pt. II
8. Impossible Green
9. Jennifer Castle
10. Dancing With The Lady In The Moonlight
11. I Tried To Hold The World (In My Mouth)
12. (What’s To Become) Of The Meaning Of Love

Daniel Romano On Tour

June 13 – Boston, MA @ Atwood’s Tavern
June 14 – Lancaster, PA @ Tellus360
June 15 – Washington, DC @ DC9
June 16 – Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
June 18 – Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
June 19 – Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
June 20 – Charlotte, NC @ Evening Muse
June 21 – Asheville, NC @ Mothlight
June 22 – Athens, GA @ New West Records Athfest Kick Off Party
June 23 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
June 24 – Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
June 27 – St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
June 28 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas
June 30 – Detroit, MI @ El Club
July 1 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
August 4-6 – Sackville, NB @ SappyFest
August 31 – Oxford, UK @ The Bullingdon
September 1 – Dorset, UK @ End of the Road Festival
September 2 – Enschede, NL @ Tuckerville Festival
September 4 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso

Artist Links