Contented creator
Dylan Young
Destroyer's Dan Bejar has developed a reputation for giving brassy interviews. The only abrasiveness I'm picking up on is the thick crackle of bad cellphone reception. Bejar couldn't be more affable.Destroyer's latest album, Your Blues, supports the notion of Bejar as a daunting presence in the Canadian indie auteur landscape. It's a reputation founded on his significant songwriting contributions to the New Pornographers albums Mass Romantic and Electric Version. The new Destroyer album is a fleeting, narrative collection of bristling indie nuggets, senselessly evocative and fractiously unified. Comparisons to Bowie's Hunky Dory don't miss the mark entirely, although Bejar thinks the comparison is a bit of a stretch.
"It's not that I'm not flattered," says Bejar. "I love Bowie. I love Dylan and Lou Reed, too. But those comparisons would be a little off as well. The thing is that we actually went into the studio with a stack of CDs that we intended to use as specific models for the album. And we even failed to ape those sounds effectively."
And what albums are we talking about?
"Oh. They were all these '60s albums with really ornate orchestral arrangements," he continues. "We went into the studio with certain contradictory ideas. There was the orchestral thing, which never really materialized. We have a kind of restrained version of that. And
then I envisioned my voice and the songs in this ravaged starkness. But then I brought all these peppy songs to the plate. "If I'm honest, I just don't have the voice for that kind of effect. I could do it, I'm sure, but it would be a kind of play acting," Bejar admits. "You have to accept that you aren't always going to be able to sound like what you hear in your head."
Destroyer with Frog Eyes and Pink Mountain Tops at El Salon (4388 St-Laurent), May 8
| Destructive sonic paradise! |
|
Pardon my french but this was one bitchin' little show!
If you already know about Dan Bejar and Destroyer's ability to sublimely level a venue with funky arrangements and breezy pregnant beats then there is absolutely nothing I have to tell you that you already don't know. You really can't ask for better in a performer than nuanced talent and a willingness to be himself on stage instead of struttin' about like so many rock posers.
As expected, the crowd wasn't huge, especially given the talent on tap but that's the tragic fate of Destroyer;they're good but they've got more of a cult following than a mainstream appeal going for them.
The opening act portion of the show was ok but they were little more than a warm-up for the real deal that was to follow. This was definitely worth my time and money.
Oh yeah, nice article too, by the way.
|
|
Pedro Eggers
|
{1 vote}
|
|
|
I give top credits to Bejar for being honest. His own sound will be his own best friend. Taking the cds with you and realizing that its not your style was a great way to find out that he didn't need to listen or 'ape' any other style. Some bands can get away with that and some can't. I am glad he took the Bowie comparison and said nahh not him...cuz I want Bejar to feel good about himself and his music. The description given 'a fleeting, narrative collection of bristling indie nuggets, senselessly evocative and fractiously unified can speak for itself...his own music and talent. I think Bejar has a head on his shoulders and knows what he wants out of his music. Destroyers presence in Canada will be known...applause.
|
|
Jennifer Berardini
|
{1 vote}
|
|
|
| Streethawk: the seduction of Destroyer |
|
I have yet to experience Destroyer live, but 'Streethawk: The Seduction' is one of the best albums I've heard in a while. Its so well put together, I can't elaborate on it or describe it any better than previous posts have. Musically and lyrically it fulfills the need for new music to be heard rather than the manufactured rap/rock fad which continues to prevail.
|
|
Emily Lam
|
{1 vote}
|
|
|
