New album from Dan Smyth

Dan Smyth is a talented singer-songwriter who makes music as a solo artist while also performing live as part of a duo, trio and four-piece outfit. Crafting his own style of indie rock and art rock, he first unveiled his studio sound in 2019 with his debut album, I Can’t Wait.

Following up his first release with his sophomore record, Eye Dream, which landed in 2022, he now brings us his latest release with his third full-length LP titled What It Is and What It’s Not. Drawing from a range of different styles and influences, across the album’s nine tracks, Dan Smyth casts surreal lyricism tinged with lived experiences and real emotions.

Bringing together the spheres of fantasy and reality, on the album he presents both moments of reflection and passages of dreamy wonder, captured in songs that touch on broken paths, the echoes of unrealised promises and life from his own perspective. Opened by “Everybody’s Got Tears,” a laid back groove of soft guitar tones and pattering rhythm is met by Dan’s smooth vocal leads, gliding above the mellow arrangement to craft a breezy soul rock jam that gradually develops with lightly fuzzy guitar textures, shuffling drums and memorable melodic writing.

“Swimming” follows with the strike of drums ushering in a synth-inflected rock jam where popping bass lines and punching beats underpin Dan’s expressive vocal performance, resulting in an invigorating and catchy burst of sonic energy. Flowing through stripped back, hazy dreamscapes of spacey synth layers and hushed vocals, the slick ebb and flow makes for engaging and highly original listening experience.

With “Bricks,” he sets up an extended instrumental intro of delicate piano, keys and plodding bass notes before the crunch of guitar brings an abrupt witch up, jumping into stomping rhythms and commanding vocals. With an arrangement full of twists and turns, the track progresses through s string of stark sonic contrasts, offering a soundscape that’s impactful and mesmeric in equal measure.

Other highlights on the record include tracks like “Walk” with it’s subtly haunting groove of pulsing bass and rhythmic vocal delivery, crafting a smokey jam of hypnotic guitar notes, bright piano touches and immersive aesthetic. “You Choose” brings the intricate flutter of clean guitar tones, gently slipping into a minimal scene of soft vocals that float above, casting a misty sound that’s charming and intriguing throughout.

Closing the album with “Khrikaet,” the swell of synth is met with the flicker of flute, forging an airy atmosphere before the deep bass textures, dash of muted percussion and winding guitar lines creates an engrossing instrumental sound. Across seven and a half minutes, he presents a stunning avant-garde scene that’s fiercely unique and wholly absorbing, offering a superb finale to his sensational new album.

Listen to What It Is and What It’s Not below