Been Here Before
Self-Released, 2021
9/10
Kevin Daniel made me a fan pretty quick with 2019’s Things I Don’t See, and this follow up album continues his diverse and fluid song craft as his early days of jazz and blues are never far from the well thought out Americana of Been Here Before.
“Single In The Center” starts the album with gentle electric guitar and Daniel’s rugged yet smooth vocals guiding the organ friendly, subdued rootsy rocker, and “Don’t See The Light” follows with a busier display of bright horns, swift drumming and rural melodies populating the country rocker.
There’s 12 tracks present and not a dud in the bunch. The middle tracks are among the best, including the impactful female vocals of the a cappella “Lovemares”, while the cautious “My Oh My” works folk and soulful ideas enter the retro climate. “Blame Me” then brings a bluesy flavor to the listen, where Daniel shows us the depths of his strong vocal prowess.
Approaching the end, the playful shuffling of “Horizons” flows with a mountain-esque appeal that’s rhythmic and instantly memorable, and “Dial Up Pain” exits the listen with his unique brand of Americana that welcomes brass, keys, drums and guitars to the eclectic and playful finish.
Although he lives in Brooklyn, Daniel’s formula sounds right at home in Nashville, as he blends country, folk, roots, jazz, blues and rock’n’roll into a really entertaining, fun and relatable sophomore album that, if you listen to once, you’ll listen to 10 more times, if not more.
Travels well with: Joe Bourdet- Meadow Rock; Mare Wakefield & Nomad- No Remedy