Micropop

Today while driving in Ned the Newtonian Mini, where I listen to much of my new music, I was taking in tracks from the forthcoming De Novo Dahl CD "Cats & Kittens". Ned is ideal for such listening, since I'm able crank up the music and fully assess its merits with bothering the neighbors. Plus, it's nice to be able to repeat songs at will.

The more I hear these new tracks, the more I get excited for the release of the new record. Seeing De Novo Dahl live for the first time was of the brightest moments of the 2003 Baltimore International Pop Overthrow festival. I eagerly picked up the six song EP the band was selling at the time. Even after repeated listens to that EP over the last 14 months, I'm still enthralled at the well crafted intelligent pop the band has created.

It's the bands arrangements which make De Novo Dahl's output standout, at a time when quirky pop has comeback in vogue. While bands like The Killers, The Arcade Fire, and Dogs Die in Hot Cars are worthy listens, it's De Novo Dahl's care in crafting their songs that sets them ahead of the pack. For instance in the new song "All Over Town" De Novo Dahl adds a touch of fuzzed out guitar to the chorus of and the use of glockenspiel is also a nice touch.

Listening to the bands songs reminds me of what made Motown records standout. Motown had talented songwriters and singers but what gave the songs that extra edge was what the studio musicians AKA The Funk Brothers, arrangers and producers did in the studio to create those memorable singles.

For fans of Super Furry Animals, Supergrass, Belle & Sebastine and all great Power Pop deities.

From the just released CD Cats & Kittens
All Over Town (MP3)
Be Your Man (MP3)
From the 2003 self-titled EP
Waiting for My Friends (MP3)
Memphis (MP3)

De Novo Dahl
More songs at Myspace.com