London musician Dan Black seems to be all the rage at the moment among the indie kids, but for me it really is hard to understand why. Black seems to be another run of the mill UK act who hasn’t really delivered anything remotely exciting or memorable. It is interesting how the British press describe him as ‘wonky pop artist’ – I’m pretty sure I could come up with something more descriptive and to the point.
Black was originally a member of alt-rock band The Servant before they split and then appeared as a guest vocalist for Italian group Planet Funk. At this point a solo career was in the offing to bolster his ego and the spotlight shone with the 2009 single U+Me, with downloaders scrambling to pick it up for free while it was iTunes’ Single Of The Week (I wouldn’t have paid for it either).
U+Me’s parent album UN verges on frustrating and if I had a fork I wouldn’t have any eyes left. Strip back the electronica and I would say there is very little substance at all. Black’s nasal and whiny vocals are quite annoying, with 12 tracks plus three bonus tunes making for an arduous listening experience. If anyone makes it to the end some 57 minutes later, you’re doing well.
It probably is worth noting that Kid Cudi features on the bonus remix of Symphonies, making for contrast to Black’s version which opens the album. UN is one album I won’t be playing again by choice.
Rob Lyon

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER!