By Jim Rowland
Boasting current and former members of Shrapnel, Ten Benson, The Rumblestrips, Warning, Osiris Club and Angel Witch, quirky art rockers Daemönik Fonce follow up their 2022 debut album with the release of their second album, simply titled ‘DFII’.
At the heart of Daemönik Fonce are twins Paul Summers (guitar) and Stewart Summers (vocals), both of whom cut their teeth in Shrapnel, before moving through Ten Benson and The Sharp Tongues. Bassist Sam Mansbridge was a member of The Rumblestrips, keyboardist and vocalist Hannah Edgren previously served with the magnificently named Tits of Death and Andy Prestidge has drummed with the likes of Warning, Osiris Club, Angel Witch and Mint 400.
‘DFII’, however, does not really sound like any of those bands listed. Eclectic and eccentric, it makes for compelling listening. The likes of ‘Oh Corita’, ‘Test Tube Grappelli’, ‘Provincial Bohemian’ and the catchy ‘Speck’ provide a unique and very quirky fusion of rock, pop, post-punk and art-rock that defies easy categorization, although the great Magazine did spring to mind for me on a few occasions.
There’s a hint of The Stranglers to ‘The Human Leech’, ‘Chippin’ Away’ channels the spirit of Chicory Tip for a quality slice of catchy junkshop glam, ‘Night Terrors’ provides a more subtle, dark and creepy vibe, whilst ‘My Father’s Banana’ is just plain bizarre. Lyrically, the album is sharp, and often witty.
Unique, original, quirky and inventive, ‘DFII’ may well be the strangest album I’ve heard in a long time, but is undeniably compelling and addictive listening.
- ‘DFII‘ was released today (Friday 13 March).
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