Celebrating 25 years of musical evolution and indie folk-rock mastery, Denim Dan has released a commemorative album titled โDenim Danโs 25th Anniversary (1999 โ 2024)โ. This collection, marking the bandโs quarter-century journey, is a nostalgic yet refreshing reminder of the bandโs enduring influence in the indie music scene. It acts as the official follow-up to the previous album โSanta Mariaโs Domeโ.
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A Look Back: 25 Years in 20 Tracks
Denim Danโs latest offering is a curated anthology, featuring 20 tracks from their previous seven albums. This compilation is more than just a greatest hits album; itโs a carefully chosen selection that reflects the bandโs musical growth and the various stylistic experiments theyโve embraced over the years.
Tracks From โ3AMโ
The album kicks off with three tracks from their 2022 album, โ3AMโ, known for its moody introspection and delicate balance of folk and rock influences. These tracks manage to set the tone for the reflective journey that the 25th-year celebratory album promises. โ3AM (I Call You Up)โ starts it all off with an intricate tuneful sound with strong vocals that effortlessly convey the relatable lyrics. The electric guitar towards the end adds spirit and grit which weโve come to expect from Denim Dan after we last reviewed โSanta Mariaโs Domeโ, and we expect their signature style to run throughout this anniversary album.
โNot Always Skies of Blueโ follows next, bringing a more folk-rock vibe to the overall album sound, with the electric guitar taking on more of a central stage, expanding the track, adding depth, and impressing listeners all the way through. Rounding out the three tracks from this 2022 album is โTaking It Slowโ, which has a more laid-back folk-rock vibe to it with some awesome lyrical rhymes that truly allow the bandโs vocalist, Michael Halitzer, to shine. The track progressively develops with more instruments being added towards the end with both the drums and the keys stealing the spotlight for their segments.
Tracks From โNo Guaranteeโ
โDonโt Throw It Awayโ is the next song which is taken from the โNo Guaranteeโ album released in 2020 alongside the following two tracks from this 25-year celebratory album. It keeps the tuneful vibe going, fuelling a rich instrumental backing track which synergises well with the folk-rock vocals and the inspiring lyrics that are set to motivate every listener. This leads well into โLife Has Just Begunโ, a track that focuses on awesome guitar chords that hook the fans in straight away, backed by some powerful drum beats. Denim Danโs vocals allow the song to breathe while empowering us all with lyrics full of advice.
The sixth track on the new album is titled โCome Back Homeโ which is a total stand-out track from Denim Danโs collection. It opens with a unique instrumental segment that sounds like a harmonica making it unlike any other track on the album, before the strong vocals delve into heartfelt lyrics full of love and support. The harmonica returns as the song wraps up showcasing their impressive skills. If thereโs one thing that Denim Dan does well, it is showcasing and amplifying all the instrumentalists that are a part of the band.
Tracks From โThis Way, That Way, The Other Wayโ
The next four tracks are taken from the 2023 album โThis Way, That Way, The Other Wayโ, starting off with โLet Your Love Fall Down on Me (Too)โ, which takes a more indie-rock approach with subtle folk vibes thrown in. Once again, Denim Dan impresses with the backing track keeping a catchy rhythm throughout that coalesces brilliantly with the addictive lyrics and heartfelt vocals. โBernalillo Babyโ is the next track, switching it up with a lower registry vocal that effortlessly portrays the narrative lyrics, discussing how he always sees this girl as perfect just the way she is, even if sheโs just moved back from living with someone she didnโt know so well while possibly carrying his baby.
Following that track is โThe Momentโ which is another strong lyric narrative that paints a brilliant moment in time full of feelings and emotions that is led by the heart-filled vocals and the addictive rhythmic backing track that is hypnotic and captivating from start to finish. This catchy track is the one that is bound to get stuck in oneโs head the most out of all 20 tracks. This links in well with โWe Are Who We Areโ as this also has a catchy rhythmic sound encompassed by bright tunes from what sounds like a flute bringing a lighter folk energy to the album as a whole.
Tracks From โSanta Mariaโs Domeโ
The heart of the album features four tracks from their 2023 release, โSanta Mariaโs Domeโ, an album that showcased Denim Dan at their experimental best. This section of the album serves as a powerful reminder of the bandโs ability to evolve while staying true to their indie folk-rock roots. Track 11, โItโs Got to Be Loveโ, unfolds as a folk-rock ballad, with the guitarโs melodic chords taking the spotlight and complementing lyrics that convey a deep sense of love and certainty. As the song progresses, a captivating flute instrumental makes a surprising appearance, adding an unexpected yet fitting touch that elevates the track to an unforgettable moment.
Next is โDown by the River Bend Flowโ, a track that dives deep into progressive rock with an indie twist, showcasing Denim Danโs knack for blending genres. We named this as our favourite track on the โSanta Mariaโs Domeโ album during our review and we still fully stand by that due to its addicting beat and โ80s-inspired rock.
โGuess Iโll Be Alrightโ brings a harmonious blend of indie-folk and rock, featuring the frontmanโs strongest vocal performance to date. The songโs infectious hook and storytelling lyrics about resilience and moving forward resonate deeply with listeners. This section culminates with โRemind Meโ, where Denim Danโs experimental edge shines through with the prominent use of saxophone and dynamic drumming, adding layers of complexity to their signature sound with an elevated soulful vibe running throughout.
Tracks From โDenim Dan Meets Dylan..a Tributeโ
Only one track from the Bob Dylan tribute album has made it onto this 25th anniversary albumโโThings Have Changedโ is track number 15 and itโs an addictive folk-rock take on the Bob Dylan track. Fitting in well with the previous โSanta Mariaโs Domeโ tracks, this one features strong vocals and an intoxicating beat, effortlessly conveying the story-telling lyrics aligned with the nostalgic effect of a cover song and truly taking the Bob Dylan track to a whole other level, making it their own.
Tracks From โNo Lies In Blue Skiesโ
Two tracks have been taken from this 2018 album to be included in this collection, including the title track from said album, โNo Lies In Blue Skiesโ, which starts with prominent piano chords and Denim Danโs folk vocals. What truly sets this track apart is the additional female vocals that blend and harmonise with Michael Halitzerโs voice to create a dynamic vibe filled with passion and emotion. As the track progresses, a standout guitar segment in the middle and toward the end reinforces the bandโs distinctive style, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
โWhere the Sun Does Shineโ is the 17th track on the โDenim Danโs 25th Anniversary (1999 โ 2024)โ album and itโs another standout track due to the female vocals that align with the song, begging the question of whether a female vocalist appears on the entire โNo Lies In Blue Skiesโ album. The track is rhythmic and soulful, blending folk and rock influences with a rich array of instruments. The drums drive the song forward, while the prominent presence of what sounds like a saxophone, adds depth. Together with the vocalistsโ infectious chorus, this is one memorable and dynamic track.
Tracks From โYour Foreign Townโ
The last three tracks are from Denim Danโs debut album โYour Foreign Townโ which was released back in 1999. โLet It Flowโ instantly lets the listener know that weโre listening to some of the bandโs first-released tracks as hard-hitting drums and rock guitar chords blaze through the speakers, bringing a different indie folk-rock style to the table which sides more with hard indie-rock. Again, a female vocalist joins Michael Halitzerโs voice as he spreads positivity in the lyrics. While thereโs still obvious folk influence throughout, rock takes centre stage with the band bringing a fired-up rhythm during the instrumental segments.
This is also seen in the next two tracks, with โGo Where Life Leads Youโ taking a more soft-rock approach while the lyrics continue to encourage and empower the listeners. The rhythmic backing track has some surprising tuneful additional instruments that add an infectious quality to ensure it gets stuck in your head. The last track, โItโs Youโ, wraps it all up with heartfelt lyrics and strong guitar chords, truly showcasing Denim Danโs originality back in 1999, and how far the band has come while still keeping to their signature style.
A Journey Through Denim Danโs Timeless Sound
โDenim Danโs 25th Anniversary (1999 โ 2024)โ is more than a nostalgic look back; itโs a celebration of Denim Danโs resilience and ability to adapt and evolve over the years. Each track is a piece of the larger puzzle that is Denim Danโs careerโa career marked by a constant exploration of sound, a dedication to storytelling, and an unwavering connection with their audience while keeping their folk-rock signature sound.
This anniversary album isnโt just a gift to long-time fans, but also an invitation to new listeners to experience the richness of Denim Danโs discography. Whether youโve been following the band since their debut or are just now discovering them, โDenim Danโs 25th Anniversary (1999 โ 2024)โ offers something for everyone.
โDenim Danโs 25th Anniversary (1999 โ 2024)โ is now available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms.