Daidrum - All At Sea Progressive Voyages Review PV066

Daidrum – All At Sea Progressive Voyages Review PV066

Daidrum - All At Sea cover

Since starting Progressive Voyages I have been exposed to many previously unknown (to me) at least artist making some remarkable new music, Daidrum is one such artist bought to my attention by the wonderful folks of Bad Dog Promotions who always seem to find interesting new projects to explore.

Daidrum (Welsh for David ) is a Welsh born drummer who has moved through various bands and genres to finally finding his own path musically, this album was written over 4 years ago since which time Daidrum has lost his daughter. This album has been therapeutic in helping him come to terms with that loss, the album is not sad but has a degree of melancholy to it which is a tribute to his daughter really.

This album All At Sea hovers in the hinterland between folk and Progressive Rock music utilising aspects of both Genres, the use of violin adds to the folk whilst the electric guitar adds the rock touches. Opening track Trafalgar Blues is a tale that talks about a sailor who participates in the Battle Of Trafalgar and the horrors he experiences during that time, this track is really a rather good and interesting tale, with great music from the violin and guitars including a tidy solo at the end.

There For You is next and this is a gentler affair, this has touches of artists like David Gilmour in the vocals and tone of the track, again it is musically understated and all the better for the restraint shown.

Run is next and this has a strong violin presence in the mix, along side some phased guitar arpeggios, the song is about Shergar the prize winning racehorse that was spirited away from the stud farm that his owner Aga Khan has stabled him in. He was stolen by thieves, it was thought by members of the IRA, as an informant Sean O’Callaghan published details of the theft. Sadly Shergar was never found and presumed shot by the thieves although no body has ever been found or recovered, the track 8ncludes contains some radio snippets about his victories.

Merry Go Round follows and this is again a more delicate track although a good bass part is present. Ìt has touches of Richard Thompson in the guitar parts, mainly acoustic guitar with some piano and percussion elements, this is a very good song, it is very memorable with good vocals throughout.

Lonely Planet is up next this has a great hammond organ part to it, which makes it stand out a bit. This song seems to be about ecology and how we are destroying this earth in which we live, again the closing refrain is very good and memorable.

Breathe follows and this is another strong track with good use of acoustic guitar and piano lines, The song is about a child growing up and the impact that has on the family’s life. There is great interaction here the various instruments that come together to craft an excellent sounding track and song. Good guitar solo at the track concluding minutes makes a good impression as it flows most agreeably.

Salt Requiem is next and here the violin is joined by a strong cello to make a fine opening orchestrated opening section. The song appears to be about the time when sailors were used as lookouts for U boats in the war, in the cold north sea.

The use of brass band sounds suitable here as it sounds wonderful.

Nether Street is next and again this is an interesting musical track with a very twisting rhythm part with an intriguing opening section of sounds and an irregular bassline, this has a very odd time signature, certainly not in 4/4 time.

It’s a great track with some great musical moments. Confusing as hell but certainly makes a positive impression.

The albums final and longest track is Song Of Time, clocking in at nearly ten and a half minutes in length.

The whole album has a nautical theme to it, This track and instrumentation reflect that as do the lyrics which speak of “singing a song of time, we’re born together in this rhyme”. The track is about being eternal lovers it is a mystical song with somewhat abstract lyrics but notwithstanding it has a real charm and poise to it, and makes a great final piece of music.

I found this to be a fine album, even if a little different. It is an album that you need to adjust to fully appreciate its beauty and its life affirming nature, after all it came out of a personal tragedy for David (Daidrum) and for that we should be thankful that he has turned tragedy into a personal triumph to share with the world.

Very well worth your time and attention.

Info here:www.daidrum1.bandcamp.com

Author John Wenlock-Smith