David Dondero - The Transient

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Music reviews of The Transient

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Rating: 4 Stars

It opens on a bizarre note on "Living and the Dead," before lapsing into "Ashes on the Highway" -- catchy but rather macabre ("When I die/burn my body/spread my/ashes on the highway..."). The remainder of "Transient" is a mix of bouncy folk (the rock-y "Dance of Spring" and pleasant "See it Clear") and haunting slow ballads (the haunting, downbeat "20 Years" and the delightfully nuanced and musical "Stars in My Chandelier").

David Dondero and "Transient" are things that grow slowly on you, like moss on a rock. First time around, the slightly "off" vocals and stripped-down acoustic sound is unimpressive. Second time around, they start to get catchier and more melodious. The third time around, they're more interesting and nuanced.

Dondero's voice is a bit reminiscent of a folkier Wayne Coyne or Jeff Mangum. In a nutshell, his voice is flawed in a likable way; only occasionally does he wobble badly, as if he does "Less than the Air." He's better suited to ballads, where he sounds quite sad and vulnerable, but not whiny. The acoustic guitar is the major instrument here, but it's backed by some solid bass and drums (accompanied by some members of the band Bright Eyes).

The writing is pretty solid, sometimes a little puzzling ("Saw the trees becoming lovers in the shadows...") but nice to listen to. At times they seem to be laments, reportedly based on what Dondero overhears in passing conversations. Others ("The Stars in my Chandelier") are straightforward and uncomplicated, and it's here that Dondero's songwriting is particularly strong.

A nice collection of folk tinged with pop and rock. "Transient" is a sweet and downbeat look at love, death and life as a travelling musician living from day to day. It may take a little while to grow on you, but it certainly isn't forgettable.

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