the kidameln lo-fi
photos and music courtesy of kidameln
by Steve Ackerman
posted 2005-04-24
A few weeks ago, my friend, Daniel Gannaway sent me out a new collaboration he had been working on. He asked me to take a look at it and let him know what I thought. I recently reviewed his album, darling one year, released last October. It was outstanding. You could just feel the energy and emotion that Daniel had put into each and every one of those tunes. After getting to know Daniel for awhile, I have learned that he pours his heart and soul into every one of his projects. I knew it would be awesome before I even opened the envelope... And the kidameln lo-fi is just that.
Photo courtesy of kidameln
Simply put, the album is a collaboration between a few extremely talented musicians doing what it is that they do best. The collective of pool of talent, combined with a diverse set of influences and unique styles provide us with a very flavorful musical experience. The energy, the emotion, the passion that this motley group of performers pour into thier album comes showering down on you with each and every note. They are not about producing an agressive barrage of sound waves just to rattle windows. The music is more about a comforting, rythmic blend of inspiration and instrumentation that ought to be savored, by yourself, your love or in the company of good friends.
The kidameln players are, as stated in the press release and on the website; "There's no definition of who does what, which is kind of cool, but the art at least reveals who kidameln are. Michael Brennan [Seven dials/ Hussman/ the Feds/ and soon to be released solo project Phonoss], Warren Lawson [Pottery/ Puppichuk/ the Feds], Daniel Gannaway [Daniel Gannaway] and [the Now Awol] Stan Leboy."
Honestly, my only objection to the kidameln lo-fi album is; after listening to it, it ends way to quickly for me... I seemed to get sucked in and took me on a ride me through each of the nine songs before the trip was over... And I am left wanting to hear more... Atleast another hour or three would just about do it... I am definitely ready for more from these guys and I think you will as well.
Photo courtesy of kidameln
Here is a sort of conversation with the band:
MB=Michael Brennan [UK]
WL=Warren Lawson [NZ]
DG=Daniel Gannaway [US]
ProMusicNews - So when did you guys meet?
MB - I met the Wazman Ferrari [Warren Lawson] in Tauranga in the early 90's. He used to come along and support a band I was playing in at the time - 7 Dials. and his good friend Mike played in a band called 'Prod' that played with the Dials regularly. When the Dials split I didn't play much music until the late 90's when I formed Hussman. We needed t-shirts and stickers made, The Waz was living in Auckland. I found out through our drummer, so we hooked up again and then when I formed the Feds, we needed a monster guitar player... The Wazman! I met Daniel on a ferry to the city through a friend who worked at the local wine shop. Turned out my next door neighbour was Daniel's uncle, so seeing we had so many of the same interests we've hung out ever since. Must have been 2000.
WL - I first meet Daniel through Michael for about 5 seconds just before he left for overseas. Then I worked on the feds ep with Michael, and loved the experience of recording and thought man, I want to do more of dis! When Daniel got back, I had been listening to Bound and Suburban, got to know him better. We jammed some tunes and it just was too easy writing tunes with him and Michael.
Photo courtesy of kidameln
DG - I was looking for a bass player & friend told me Michael lived nearby, and he had a band Hussman, and I went to see a show. And then he played a couple of small acoustic sets of my stuff. We tore that stuff up, rearranged and played with percussion. That was fun. And then I think... I was gone a while.
I met Warren through Michael & since being back in NZ. This last time we all jammed a couple of times and songs started appearing immediately, so it was really cool. And he's really quiet & humble for such a monsta guitar playa!
MB - When Daniel left NZ and put out Bound and Suburban [2001], and while he was away I formed 'the Feds' [fedsmusic.com] with Warren, and we were playing out a lot and writing a ton of rock/stoner rock material.
DG - Rawk! Michael dropped me the ridin lo EP when he recorded for me in London on darling one year. I love that EP. It's my personal opinion that it would be sick if they can put out a Feds album this year. Sooooo many good rocking heavy songs.
