D.K. Lyons sings with such tenderness on the lovely “The Past (Romanticized)”. A sophisticated, urbane take on pop the way he crafts each song feels majestic. Best taken in as a singular whole his unique vision leads the way. Such infectious riffs intermingle throughout the entirety of the album whose lush arrangements linger in the mind long after the tracks have ended. Genre-wise, he brings together elements of dream pop, post-rock, country, folk, and a whole slew of other styles into the colorful mix. Easily the true highlight comes from D.K. Lyons’ incredible gift for storytelling. Narratives that emerge throughout the whole of the album feel real and fully lived in, as the exquisite detail involved becomes truly immersive.
A truly gentle approach defines the whole of the album for he displays a great deal of compassion throughout. The arrangements, low-key demeanor, and poetic lyricism recalls Red House Painters’ early work. Such a vibrant sound it is easy to get lost in the swirling mix. Beyond this, his earnest and honest vocals also have a Toads the Wet Sprocket demeanor to them for the hypnotic rhythms and gorgeous guitar work feels outright palpable.
DSP – https://open.spotify.com/album/0Ho4l0ql76M0cMPOhyJuaG
So much energy bursts through on the powerful opener of “The Getaway” as hope reigns supreme. On the flipside is the delicate, stripped-back touch of “Dance like Shadows”. The toe-tapping rhythms of “Perfume” explores a yearning desire. Here the sense of passion becomes undeniably giddy. Guitars soar up to the heavens on the spacious sprawl of “Feels like Flying”. Easily the highlight of the album the way it nicely embodies a sense of true happiness feels glorious, with the song nicely ebbing and flowing in a majestic way. “Long Way Home” strips things down to the essentials with lovely, lilting guitar work feeling particularly fragile. Infinitively catchy is the bouncy beats of “Danger” which possesses a strong playfulness. Hinting at a Jon Brion like mystery is the powerful “Dark Dreams”. Embodying all that came before it is the fantastic finale of “American Slang”.
“The Past (Romanticized)” shows off D.K. Lyon’s timeless, tasteful take on thought-provoking pop.
