Dag for Dag- Boo

A bit of a rushed one this! Completely forgot about it so panic wrote it in about... an hour? Maybe less. Anywho, here is my review for Dag for Dag's first full-length album, "Boo."

Formed of American-Swedish siblings Sarah Pathemore Snavely and Jacob Donald Snavely, Dag för Dag bring us their second offering after the hugely successful “Shooting from the Shadows EP.” Having thrived on the live circuit, supporting the likes of The Kills and Lykke Li, Dag för Dag worked hard to ensure their live spirit was captured on record. It seems the hard work paid off, as they offer this gem of a record.

‘Boo’ begins with the title track, a short and entrancing opening to the album, which puts us in the right frame of mind for what’s to come. As the album continues effortlessly into “I Am The Assassin,” we’re instantly put under the hypnotic vibes that emulate from the record. The instantly melodic fusion of piano, guitar and Chuck Bukowski’s drumming is contagious, which makes it easy to see why they are such a popular live band. Going through to “Boxed Up In Pine,” and we start to see the impact the echoing vocals have on not only the track, but the listener too. The lyrics may seem simple –“box me in pine...all boxed up in pine,” but add some studio effects and instrumentals and you’re transported to another world. Be it the piercing strings or the sneaky chimes to end the track, you’re always kept on your toes, wondering what they’re going to produce next.

The true beauty of Dag för Dag is laid bare on “Wouldn’t You,” where the record takes a short breather. This is not to say this track is lazy though, far from it. Bukowski produces a beat which sucks you in and doesn’t let go, whilst the Snavely siblings bring eerie and beautifully harmonising vocals to the forefront. This is perhaps the standout track on the album. “Traffic Jam” bring an unseen mood to “Boo,” as a slightly more fast-tempoed melody with the hint of an angry edge. This is where the guitar skills truly shine through. This attitude continues into “The Leather Of Your Boots,” where the studio effects applied to the vocals take on a less eerie and more demanding image. It’s both interesting and brilliant to see how these siblings can stretch themselves and their voices to create some completely contrasting tracks. The tempo is again increased for “Animal,” before we eventually hit the finale track, “Ring Me, Elise.” Things remain at an all time high, as the energy pours out of every note played.

So there we have it. Dag för Dag have truly proved themselves not only live, but now on record too. Get ready to be entranced by the beauty that is “Boo.”

4/5

Also, just found it put up on the website... link:http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/albums/article/dag-for-dag-boo
 
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