SUNFIELD
REVIEWS |
All
Music Guide REVIEW:
As is the case with Robyn Hitchcock and Donovan --
the two names most likely to spring to mind when you hear Damien
Youth -- there isn't a huge difference from one Damien Youth
record to the other. That would be a substantial problem for most artists.
But, again, as with Hitchcock and Donovan , it's not
such a bother in Damien Youth's particular situation, because
if you like what he has to give, he delivers the goods with consistency
and enough variety and imagination to sustain pleasurable listening.
Like the somewhat more widely distributed CD BRIDE
OF THE ASYLUM, this reflects his evolution from the lo-fi production
of his cassette-only releases to a cleanly produced (but not at all
slick) folk-pop/rock sound, deftly integrating other arrangements and
lite-psych effects in addition to his usual voice and guitar. In its
darker moods, the sense of sinister playfulness can evoke Syd Barrett
(who, of course, is a common reference point for Hitchcock
as well). In its lighter moments, it's playful and uplifting, as on
the exultant "Traveling." Whatever the setting, this is consistently
melodic and soothing, with the sort of gentle, solitary euphoria that
typified a lot of British folk-rock/psychedelia of the late '60s and
very early '70s, without sounding like toothless revivalism. It's not
all sunshine and magic, either: Often placid on the surface, the lyrics
frequently conceal ambiguity and disturbance that can be startling,
as in the ode to his "f*cked-up little dandelion girl." Then
there's "Decorate," at face value another gentle, folky ballad,
but one with sexually explicit lyrics that verge on the pornographic.
Probably bound to pass unnoticed, even on an underground cult level,
because of its limited distribution and lo-fi packaging, it's another
notch in Damien Youth's bid to become one of the first belatedly
discovered cult artists of the 21st century. (4 1/2 stars) --
Richie Unterberger |
UXORIA REVIEW This is a new CD put together recently that's only out on CD-R through Damien himself. It really is a very good album deserving of a wider audience than it will probably get with the limited exposure offered here! This is the most tuneful and assessable collection he has ever put together not counting his Lavender Brigade project! As a matter of fact I heard some of these songs were originally written for that album but he held back these songs for his solo work. No matter,as long as we get to hear them here! Some of these tracks do have a strong 60s vibe to them. Some of them are quite beautiful, too! "Morning Cloak" and "Traveling" both have haunting tunes you won't soon forget! "Please Don't Fall In Love" almost sounds mainstream, like it's the commercial big hit Damien is one day hoping for! Also unforgettable is the song "Decorate" which is one of those "shocking lyrics" type tune Damien likes to upset some of us with!!! I found it amusing and actually quite erotic and beautiful while my wife found it disgusting! Needs to be heard! The only modern artist I can think of that is similar to Damien is probably Beck but I'll bet even Beck wouldn't release a song like "Decorate"! Highly Recommended! |