Dangermuffin – Heritage
Track Listing:
1.) Ode to My Heritage
2.) Waves
3.) Ancient Family
4.) The Sea and the Rose
5.) Ol’ Fidel
6.) Kindred Sun
7.) Methuselah’s Song
8.) One Last Swim
The Pier Album Rating:
Release Date: March 31st, 2017
Record Label: Dangermuffin Music, LLC
Official Website: Dangermuffin Website
Artist Background:
Originally formed in Folly Beach, South Carolina, CA, Dangermuffin is an acoustically-driven folk rock ensemble, blending hints of reggae, island influence and progressive folk, jam-band layers into their music. The three-piece outfit is comprised of Dan Lotti (lyrics and acoustic guitar), Mike Sivilli (lead guitarist), and Steven Sandifer (drums).
Album Review:
Heritage marks the bands sixth album in total, and represents their follow-up effort from 2014’s Songs for the Universe. It’s a quick 30:40 run-time that expires rapidly with a track or two perhaps getting lost in the shuffle, but the album has several redeeming qualities and is worth your attention. This album gets better with age once the first track hits your speakers and requires some patience to fully appreciate it to its full potential.
Dangermuffin gets things started on the album with the leadoff track “Ode to My Heritage,” with a blue grassy-driven guitar intro, paying homage to roots with lyrics of ode to my heritage / wherever I’m from –- however seemed to go in a few different directions at first for an album starter. “Waves” serves as the follow-up track and is much better than the opener according to my ears with more of a mellow track and a better flow. “Ancient Family” pokes its head out as one of the highlight tracks on the album, borrowing a riff very reminiscent of 311’s “Amber” with appeasing instrumentals and another steady chorus.
“The Sea And The Rose” is the representative slow jam we’ve come to appreciate from Dangermuffin over the years, featuring solid harmonizing on the vocals and bang-up acoustics. “Kindred Sun” stood out for me as the best track on the album and the one that brought me back for supplemental listens of the album in its entirety. Hard not to enjoy this one and kick back for a while; truly felt like the guitars were singing at times on this track. The light instrumentals coupled with a memorable, low-key chorus ended up resonated with me.
The folky “One Last Swim” closes the album nicely with a progressively crafted chorus and outro, with a couple of other tracks just blending into one another.
This album is unique and can only truly be appreciated with a few listens –- those who are looking to rush through the record with something simple should reconsider. Layered deep with mysterious instrumentals at times, Heritage is defined by its laid-back textures and even-keeled vibes.
Listen to this one with an open-mind and potentially use it as a time to reflect on life. After the first spin, on the surface this was just another record to jam along to for me. However, it leaves you with a lasting impression and brings you back for a few follow-up listens. Pairs nicely with a rainy day or if you are looking to set the mood for some good old-fashioned rest and relaxation. Short but sweet, Dangermuffin cooked up a batch of eight new tracks and we are certainly looking forward to seeing what’s next.
Written & Reviewed By: Brian Glaser
[Editors Note: All reviews are reflective of the album in it’s entirety, from start to finish. These reviews are the honest opinion of each writer/reviewer expressing their feedback as a genuine fan of the music. Each star rating reflects their review of the album, NOT the band. Music is subjective. Regardless of the review or star rating, we encourage you to listen to the music yourself & form your own opinion. Spread the awareness of all music in its art & contribution]
Watch: Dangermuffin – “Ancient Family”
