Dan Deacon – Bromst

• 25th Mar 2009

The collective weirdness of American music has found its beacon. While the speedy synths of Benny Boeldt’s Adventure energise and underground heroes – the likes Benji Hughes through Boards of Canada – provide an understated electronic drug, they limit themselves to one trick per album; the strands of beautiful strangeness are unending on Dan Deacon’s ‘Bromst’.

Part of the Wham City Collective of Baltimore and drawing inspiration from his artistic associates – Boeldt’s helium vocals and sonic keys on ‘Rad F’ and ‘Paddling Ghost’ to Girl Talk’s intricate mash ups – Deacon takes us on a 70 minute journey through electro USA, sparse Scandinavia, his unique live experience and stops many other worlds. The most exciting development is Deacon’s loosened grip on the laptop, allowing live instruments in. Adding xylophone, marimba, glockenspiel and vibraphone to float above his electronic blanket, ‘Bromst’ draws you in and spits you out over and again – a party, a comedown, the highest highs, the blissful lows.

‘Build Voice’ is first up and does exactly what it promises, building stoned sirens together with choral vocals to an upsurge of emotion that flood out in soaring synths and delicate piano providing the record’s standout. By the animated electro closer ‘Get Older’, which provides the most uplifting finale in the vein of what began, we’ve been through the Dan Deacon wringer – one that is unforgettable.

This “inspired oddball” is music’s answer to Heston Blumenthal. In search of perfection, walking the line between madman and genius, ‘Bromst’ never fails to surprise and intoxicate. His latest creation is his most amazing.