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Artist Thu Apr 08 2010
Come ((un))done With Dan Black Tomorrow Night
Hailing from the other side of the pond, Dan Black first received attention for his curious mashup "HYPNTZ" which took drums from Rihanna's "Umbrella" and strings from John Carpenter's "Starman" soundtrack, adding lyrics from Nororious BIG's "Hypnotize". But with the recent release of his debut album, ((un)), this electronica artist proves he's more than just a one hit wonder, and deserving of more than simply the "electro" label.
Besides having visually captivating album art (including a booklet of full of photograph art), ((un)) wonderfully blends subtle hip-hop influences with today's electronic style, creating a grown-up flavor that's a refreshing change from the carefree kid-like music that has made a surge indie-pop lately. Black has a knack for not giving away too much of himself, but intensely drawing the listener in--like a reflex hammer to the knee: small trigger, huge effect. "The best music makes the stuff start firing in your brain," says Black. "That's what I always aimed for when I was writing these songs."
But don't think this means you won't have anything to let loose and dance to--"Yours" and "Pass That Head Noize" will still have you jumping around and shaking your hips at the bar, club, or in your living room or backyard, wherever you prefer. "Symphonies" is the track to start with though. Joined by Kid Cudi, Black delivers an easy laid back groove that will have you looking around that summer backyard bbq ruminating how lucky you are, like the final scene of a movie where our hero discovers he has it all, and it was there all along.
Black has been tapped to play Lollapalooza this summer (and earned a coveted *** from DeRogatis indicating a "particularly worthy act" in the second or third tier to see), but you have a last chance to catch him in a proper venue this Friday night at Schubas. He will also be appearing for a DJ set at The Art Institute's After Dark event earlier in the evening.
Dan Black, Moneypenny, Midnight Conspiracy and DJ-SR 71 at Schubas Friday, April 9. Tickets are $10. Advance ticket purchase includes FREE admission to the After Dark event before the show. See Schubas' website for details. 3159 N. Southport. 21 & up.