"Spoken Word" by DANE-O

Following on from ‘Aetherstone'  ("Take Me Here" which features on it is also to be found on ‘Hot Music Live Presents Volume Fifteen') and in advance of a full album scheduled for the end of November, Dane-O has today released a new single called "Spoken Word".

In accordance with what seems to be a growing trend (see for example recent releases by The Caroline Bomb and Reign The Girl Band), he's decided to put it out in what he calls "demo" form and of course that was how he described "Various Land" on  ‘Aetherstone'  too).

As I said in reviews of both of the other cases cited above, I feel that the artistic decisions made are justified and that what the bands feel were spontaneous takes or relatively stripped back arrangements suited the songs in question: other production options were considered and not adopted for good reasons. Consequently I think on these occasions we need to interpret the word "demo" is those senses and not in the traditional one of being part of a work in progress intended for the artist's ears only and which they fully intended to develop further before sharing in public.

I think that presenting material in much the same format that audiences will hear & hopefully have already appreciated is more than just valid: it captures the inherent truth of the songs.

That said, I think it's only fair to also salute fuller versions which can complement the simpler ones & offer chances to explore songs in new ways. In this case, DANE-O has decided to favour these "demo" takes with his other eye on sharing "complete and fulfilled" ones on the album: so in effect you can glimpse not only the end products of his creativity but aspects of his process.

The first thing you'll notice about "Spoken Word" is the artwork depicting blood spatters under guitar strings: I think no further comment on what that's saying is necessary?

The song itself (it is actually sung not spoken) is another haunting & powerful one by the artist with a sense of gloom eliding into one of doom: he really is impressing right from the start of his career with his ability to write memorable & atmospheric songs: there is a sense of space in this one which really helps it brood splendidly in a Ry Cooder style landscape & that rather validates DANE O's decision to go with this approach & my comments above. It sounds complete to my ears but then I'm sure what he has in mind for the final form will be tasteful & tease out some extra aspect.

This obviously talented and enthusiastic musician has certainly hit the ground running in terms of his recording career and I admire the clarity of vision he already has for this.  However just because I've not yet been able to review his live act, doesn't mean that it should be overlooked: I see him cropping up regularly on bills (look out for him playing a HMLP gig at The Tin next year too) across the region.