WE NEED NEW ANIMALS

DAAU is a Belgian band with a german name that music of an international high standard. The musicians play instruments you are not likely to associate with a rock group, like clarinet, cello or accordion. This is one of the reasons they have a rather unique sound.

This album is their second release. The differences with the debut album are evident. The tracks are much shorter and in this case that means more focussed and to the point. With the inclusion of guitar and especially percussion, this album is far more rock based, as opposed to the more acoustic and classical debut. This album also brings us a variety in styles and is very versatile. It differs from straight on rock to avant-garde pieces, from reggae to King Crimson-like improvisations.

The album opens in what you could call "old school" DAAU. You hear the core four piece who play something that starts quiet and then builds to a finale (this was probably recorded live in the studio, because at 1:34 you can hear someone cough). It's an excellent way to experience their "classical" skills. Halfway the next track we can first experience the "new and improved" DAAU with both percussion and electric guitar, because here they really rock. "Nix" is a fast jazzy track and very enjoyable. On "Broken" there is another addition to the music of this quartet, because it has vocals (by An Pierlé). Next is one of my favourite tracks, which is build around a theme played on the clarinet and added are some dreamy sounds and swinging percussion. "Oliphant" is a reggae tune played by a Klezmer band who wants to be a metal band at times. With great results. Next up is a waltz, as the title suggests. "Traag" (dutch for "Slow") is something for a movie soundtrack. The next is another reggae tracks and also with vocals (by Angélique Willkie). Very good track to let your mind wander of. "Lady Delay" is a short spacey track which sounds like guitar drenched in electronics, but it is a violin drenched in electronics. The album closes with a classical piece.

In overall, this is a great album. Because of their unique instrumentation they cannot be compared to a lot of bands. It's a bit like Alamaailman Vasarat who also have an unlikely choice of instruments for a rock band (if you can call them that). But it is not just how it sounds; it's also a great album because of the diversity in styles (but still evidently DAAU) and the high quality and originality of the compositions. For me, this is the best album in their catalogue.