Today I have the privilege of reviewing Dangermuffin’s seventh release, a self-titled collection of songs that speak to and rejuvenate the spirit. Longtime fans will find the release full of that Dangermuffin goodness that has made them popular on streaming services. For new fans, this album stands alone as a testament to the amazing songwriting and musicianship Dangermuffin’s fans have been enjoying for years.
The first track sets the bar for the entire release—and sets it very high. The song “We Push Mountains” has a Southern rock feel reminiscent of the late 1960s revitalization, with heavy guitar riffs and tight harmonies. The song is a masterpiece with the same feel-good vibes and lyrical line as the finest from the Van Zant brothers.
“Omaha” keeps those good vibes rolling with a slightly different feel. The song has a dreamy, almost haunting sound with lyrics that drift into your subconscious. Less intense yet still driving, the mandolin takes the lead and sings an obbligato line repeated by guitar. The instrumental work feels identical to the lyrical, making the band’s music complementary.
The third track is bouncy, light, and enticing right from the start. “New Sol” sets your mind to dance, and your body soon follows. The jubilant chorus proclaims “I am a new soul,” and the song leaves you with that feeling of rebirth.
“Iris” is a sweet love song à la Dangermuffin. The mandolin and vocals meld to create an embracing poem that catches a feeling of enchantment. Placement is another often-overlooked feature of a release. “Iris” sits between two very upbeat and inspiring tunes, as designed to give the listener time to reflect.
The band takes a note from ancient Rome with “Icarus.” The song is anthemic, and again we are lifted. “We will die as we live” is the central theme, but with a stronger precept: live as a hero. The same elements that make Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “My Candle Burns at Both Ends” such a powerful thought are here. The listener is compelled to be one of the ones who burn out bright.
The band takes a slight cue from Celtic works with the opening of “I Will Never Forget.” The song has a lilting riff that runs throughout, and lighter instrumentals that add to the positive feeling. Happy and self-forgiving music drives a reassurance to our daily déjà vu.
Triplet-driven music speaks to our sense of movement, so it is fitting that “These Golden Chains” is triplet-based. The song moves our bodies and minds while the lyrics inspire us to leave troubles behind. This is the perfect song to play while driving away from work at the end of a bad day.
By contrast, once you have gotten home, the slow and mysterious “Luminous Teacher” will wash that bad day away. Different from the rest of the collection yet fitting, the song comes on like calm waves on the beach. “LBL,” the follow-on song, feels like a mix of the two previous songs—triplet in nature but less driving and more building. Again, the sound comes on in waves, but these waves quickly build to a steady roll. The subject matter ties back to the entire album, giving a feeling of a complete, uplifting, spiritual encounter. The tune ends with a torrent of guitar and mandolin, completing the sonic storm’s rise.
The collection concludes with “The Golden Age,” a flawless denouement. The song is slower-paced and reflective. It packs a lot of emotion and thought into a pleasing, laid-back vibe. In all, the entire release is a rare, complete thought. It begins with inspiration and carries through to the end. Along the way, you will smile, relax, and just feel better about life.
Catch Dangermuffin on all streaming services, and make sure to look for them out on the road. As good as the albums are, they are even better live.
