Submitted by Nate Maingard – http://symphonyofwhales.blogspot.com/

<a href=”http://datlband.bandcamp.com/album/handmade” _mce_href=”http://datlband.bandcamp.com/album/handmade”>Handmade by Daniel and the Lion</a>

<a href=”http://datlband.bandcamp.com/album/paper-dove-single” _mce_href=”http://datlband.bandcamp.com/album/paper-dove-single”>Paper Dove (single) by Daniel and the Lion</a>

What attracts me most to Daniel and the Lion’s (@datlband) music is the stripped-down, raw sound. Their minimal use of instrumentation focuses primarily on piano, guitar, and percussion, while the heart-felt and beautiful vocals surround the simple, touching lyrics. The sparseness of the music allows for space which I can sink into, appreciating each delicate addition without being overwhelmed. This is definitely a band for fans of acoustic artists such as Bon Iver, Nick Drake, Rocky Votolato and Mason Jennings.

The song that best represents both the potential and achievements of this band is “Paper Dove”, which was recorded in one take with background vocals added later. It’s simple beauty moves me every time I listen to it. The lyrics speak of love’s impermanence, holding on and letting go, the wisdom that comes with growing older, and hindsight and of the hope for resolution. Another excellent track and good example of powerful subject matter is “Down in the Dark” (off their first EP Handmade), which sings of sinking into the saltiness of ocean and finding home in the midnight depths.

The fact that Daniel and the Lion have just over one thousand plays on last.fm makes them all the more precious to me. I feel fortunate to have an early view into a band that is already skilled at creating beautiful tracks, and I’m excited to follow their growth as they come more into themselves as musicians.

The band has just finished up their Kickstarter fundraiser, aimed at raising the funds to record their debut full-length album. They did so well, easily reaching their initial $3,500 goal, that they upped the ante and attempted to raise enough to fund their next album! No date has been given for the release of their debut Sweet Tooth,  but more details will be available soon. Personally, I’m more than ready Daniel and the Lion to continue igniting my imagination with their stunning imagery and amazing songwriting.