Denizen – Daddy (2021)
Who doesn’t love a good murder ballad? If you are in the mood for one, Denizen has just what you need with their single ‘Daddy’. Bringing the delightfully creepy vibes of murder ballads to Americana life, the single tells the tale from the view of the narrator who sees himself as a saviour for the woman he is addressing. With an engaging story, lurking ambiguity and fiddles for miles, the track is a great addition to any murder ballad playlist.
Dave Schafer, Pete Bale and Rashid are the core trio behind this murdery goodness. Since the band was started in 2011 by Schafer and Vale as a form of therapeutic release, it has gone through some line-up changes. Featuring their touring musicians Ross Procaccio, Dylan Defea and Eric Launer, they will have you falling down the spiral of madness with this track.
The opening of ‘Daddy’ wails through a dusty air before picking up the pace for a very engaging country vibe. The Americana threads of the music get a rock vibe when the piano line enters while the fiddle continues to mourn in the background. There is a roiling feeling of emotion resting in the full-on melody when the chorus hits. While a murder ballad, the music lacks the usually creepy ominous feeling these types of singles have. This is actually really great as it adds a new dimension to the whole story and seems to make it a little more real.
The vocals add to the Americana vibe of the music with their slightly gruff delivery. You can easily imagine this track being played with a live band is a pub. The vocals have an earthy feeling to them that adds a new dimension to the story they tell. Through them, you get the sense that the narrator feels completely justified in the murder he commits to rescue the woman he loves.
Denizen offers a different take on the classic murder ballad with some soaring Americana vibes, mournful fiddles and justifying vocals in ‘Daddy’. The melody roils with emotion before sending you flying into a frenzy for the crescendo. The vocals are a slightly gruff layer above them telling the story through a perspective that could be fairly relatable.
Find out more about Denizen on their website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
