Another smart, original pop rock album by Dan Wallace that's as intimate as it is adventurous.

13 MP3 Songs
POP: Pop/Rock, POP: Quirky



Details:
Review by Rafael Garcia for 34th Street Magazine (August 1, 2007):
Itâs always gratifying to discover a talented, yet little-known, musician. Dan Wallace provides such a thrill with his fine-tuned indie pop. Playing in the clubs of Chicago for some years now, Wallace has earned a group of devoted fans, and itâs time for that group to expand.
On Culture of Self, the artistâs second solo release, Dan Wallaceâs versatile , unique singing voice carries his meaningful lyrics and songcraft. Every track on the release is well-written and meaningful. The upbeat âThe Heap,â for example, employs tempo changes and strong guitar solos to create a dynamic listening experience. Even the albumâs transitional and instrumental tracks portray a refreshing experimentalism, ranging as they do from mournful pieces reminiscent of the Dirty Three to upbeat Spanish-influenced efforts.
Though all of the tracks on the album are strong, one of the better ones would be âPerfect Weather for a Superhero.â The songâs philosophical lyrics convey a compelling message about human guilt, faith, and what it means to be a hero. Elsewhere on the album, âThe Low Roadâ is a haunting acoustic venture exploring the abuses of organized religion. Instrumental flourishes and ghastly backup vocals flesh out this incisive look at mankind.
Despite some errors in album flow and song length, Culture of Self proves itself worthy of investigation. Dan Wallace draws together his wide range of influences to create a sound thatâs hard to define, but easy to enjoy. Fans of artists as diverse as Elliott Smith and The Fiery Furnaces should respond well to his inventive and endearing take on music.