Firstly let me say that it has taken me a number of attempts to begin this review in a way that does this LP justice. ((un)), which is French for ‘one’, is excellent on a number of levels.

This is Dan Black’s first full-length recording, so the LP’s title is pertinent. Each of his 15 tracks are meticulously crafted, impressive considering Dan Black is a relatively new solo artist (he was in an alternative rock band in London called The Servant before going it alone).

Even more impressive is the fact that the LP was recorded in a Paris cellar. Long gone are the days of scratchy, unsophisticated garage recordings of earlier artists in the same conditions. This is a sophisticated production. Within songs there is an almost seamless transition between musical styles, which again is something that impresses. So often there is disjointedness when performers attempt to mix genres, but not so here. Black is in total control of this recording, being the musician, vocalist, sampler, producer and songwriter. What has emerged for us to appreciate is a smooth and well-crafted LP that belies the fact that it is a first effort.

Unlike a number of other works that I’ve listened to lately, there is no deep underlying philosophical bent to the songs, nor is Black working through any dark psychological angst. This CD is almost purely ‘for fun’. There is a loose theme of ‘love’ and ‘relationships’ in the lyrics but I would hazard a guess and say that’s not really what Dan Black is on about here. He has said himself that he wanted to make something that was unpredictable and not clichéd. Thus we come back to ‘un’ and the change in the meaning of something when we use that particular prefix.

There are so many influences in this music that I wouldn’t begin to categorize it as belonging to one particular style. This is the first time I have seen or heard the term ‘wonky pop’ used. There is a pop influence here as well as alternative, electronica, rock, dance and hip-hop.  Black has been influenced by a number of hip-hop performers as well as Beck, Madonna, Bowie, Scritti Politti and The Stone Roses.  We can discern a few sounds that remind us of something else, but beats are mixed to the point where Black has made something wholly original. There are many changes in flavour on this LP, with the only consistent aspect being the quality of the work and the distinctive Dan Black vocal sound. 

‘Symphonies’ was released here a few months ago and I fell in love with it. The song, Black says, is about him wondering when he will reach ‘that’ moment of achievement and his personal pinnacle. It could be a sad song, but isn’t. We feel that Black is enjoying the journey towards fulfillment. By no means is ‘Symphonies’ an indication of what to expect in other songs because this is an LP of 15 unique pieces. Not all have the makings of a single, but the second song, ‘U+me=’ is getting airplay now. This is an uplifting, pop-influenced tune with a catchy chorus ‘With you I’m brighter; my eyes like lighters…’

"Ecstasy" contains a highly unusual and unexpected mix of alternative sounds and hip-hop. The unmistakable hip-hop beats come near the end of the song and had me thinking ‘What?’ This is the only track on which the transition between musical styles is intentionally abrupt. I really enjoyed ‘Yours’, ‘Pump My Pumps’, ‘Wonder’, ‘Let Go’ and ‘Poet’. These songs are a mix of funk, hip-hop, electronica and alternative genres that are fused together. I am not into traditional hip-hop, but on these tracks Dan Black’s vocals somehow fit in with the music.

At SXSW Black was spotted by Kid Cudi and together they recorded a remix of ‘Symphonies’. This version is included on the LP as a bonus track along with two other songs. I will say that if you are looking for that meaningful emotional experience, then this isn’t the LP for you, but if you enjoy being aurally challenged and have a penchant for listening to well produced, quality music that is fun then you should love ((un)).


Review Score: 8/10