To me, Daughn Gibson channels a younger Nick Cave. His latest release, Carnation, is a musical spread of electric sleekness, ravaging guitar, and cold, crisp vocal work that could make a good man turn bad. Is it sexual? Of course it is, just not the same level of paltry and predictable the current state of American radio delivers. No one is screaming “BANG BANG” here. If anything, they are breaking up in whispers.
At it’s best, Carnation is the work of a new age Morrissey without the constant ego tripping. Gibson’s music focuses on giving you feeling rather than relying on blatant lyrical detail, making each track hit harder as the album goes on. The guitar is always fitting, hovering over your ears like a protective Sub Pop hawk. And the drums? Well, I couldn’t stop dancing.
That’s really one of the best things about Daughn Gibson. No matter how serious the subject matter on tracks like “Bled to Death” or “Daddy I Cut My Hair,” the music carries the message and story of each song with triumphant force. Each instrument on Carnation adds a natural, organic quality when paired against Daughn’s waterfall of a voice. Nothing ever feels forced, making the entire album as smooth as it is saddening. As real as it is cinematic.
For me, this is his greatest release to date, and one that should garner him the dire attention he deserves. After all, how many songwriters are as intelligent as they are impassioned?
Favorite tracks: Shatter you Through, Daddy I Cut My Hair
