Awkward I – KYD CD PROMO / Djurre de Haan
Kyd is the third album by AWKWARD i, the alter ego of Djurre de Haan. Although De Haan is often associated with Alamo Race Track, he has successfully made a name for himself as a solo artist over the past decade. With Kyd —released this winter—AWKWARD i certainly upholds his reputation as a compelling indie-folk songwriter; this third record is well worth a listen.
Kyd emerged following a turbulent period for De Haan, during which he became a father and dealt with illness in his family. It was a cathartic time that culminated in a collection of twelve songs, featuring a wide array of instruments including viola, cello, clarinet, tanpura, and vibraphone. The lead single, "Milkshakes Funnelcakes," is an intriguing opener with enigmatic lyrics—a track where fragile, atmospheric verses alternate with more robust, galloping passages.
"A Boat Beneath A Sunny Sky" is a successful adaptation of the Lewis Carroll poem, resulting in a wonderfully ethereal song. On "Complicated Two-Step," where strings link up stirring musical passages, AWKWARD i delivers a sound that is unusually big for him, providing just the right amount of variety to this relatively mellow album. AWKWARD i ranges from the tragicomic ("Happiest Man At Your Funeral") to the pop-oriented ("Easy").
The 1970s seem to make an appearance in the deceptively warm-sounding "Silent Disco." Yet the title reflects the song's actual themes: "What if there’s someone else at the wheel here? / What if there’s a cold roulette ball in your head? / A chain gang of hangmen / Indefinitely / It’s going to be a lonely day." "Skinny Jeans" serves as yet another example of just how subtle—and effective—cello and viola can be.
There is more to experience: "Road Is Rock" is a compelling, atmospheric folk track that beautifully alternates between understated and uptempo passages for maximum impact. Although AWKWARD i occasionally brings to mind artists like Bill Callahan, Sufjan Stevens, and the Beach Boys, one cannot help but conclude that Djurre de Haan and his fellow musicians have delivered a deeply personal and distinctive album. It is a record where original arrangements and equally unique lyrics combine to create a dozen striking and often poignant songs.
Label: Excelsior Recordings
Country: Netherlands
Media Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)
Sleeve Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)