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Review: Jack Foley
DANISH post-rockers Diefenbach follow-up the release of their
excellent single, Glorious, with an equally catchy third
album, Set & Drift.
The band has come a long way since its early days, having perfected
their ability to deliver feel-good anthems with a style of songwriting
that pays respectful homage to classic rockers such as Tom Petty
and Neil Young, as well as modern acts such as Doves and Elbow.
Their lush style is fully evident in former single, Glorious,
a dreamy effort that pays homage to the late Sixties and features
some strangely offbeat lyrics such as 'and as you smash my teeth
in, you define we were glorious'.
The crashing guitars offset the softer vocal style perfectly
making it one of the freshest tracks of late summer.
Their diversity is fully reflected in the very next track, Police,
which fuses a mandolin with a gentle hand clap and calms things
down considerably. It's a completely beguiling track that grows
on you the more you listen to it.
Two tracks further forward and there's another change of pace,
with acid synth effects taking over on the upbeat Favourite
Friend - a track that recalls some of New Order's better
work.
While the tender It's Only Love integrates some reflective
chords of piano into the soft beat as it recounts its bittersweet
tale of young love.
There's a spaced-out sound to Bruising My Eyes that
recalls the endearing sound of Super Furry Animals, while Rocket
flirts with an ambient sound early on that recalls some of
Diefenbach's own earlier, instrumental work, before unleashing
some energetic guitars and crashing drums that hint at the musical
layering of Elbow (especially on their latest album, Leaders
of the Free World).
Further highlights include the album closers Skyline,
with its edgy percussion and uplifting style, and Circular
Motions, an inspired slow-builder that embraces the band's
ability to consistently produce songs that resonate with both
optimism and pessimism.
Diefenbach may not be the household name they deserve to be but
that shouldn't put you off.
Seeking out Set & Drift will reward the listener
with one of the very best albums of the year.
Find out more about
Diefenbach
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