Drew Danburry: two new EPs

Music | October 5th, 2016

By Jack Stenerson

jackstenerson@gmail.com

Drew Danburry hasn’t toured in a while. After playing shows around the country almost nonstop from 2004-2010, he settled down in quiet Provo, Utah, to open a barber shop. This fall, however, he is out on the road again promoting one (or maybe two??) new records.

The first is a collection of over 100 songs, few of which reach the one minute mark, called Writin’ Songs, released under the moniker “The Funny Uncles.” These short songs are satirical jingles for popular American brands including everything from Comcast to Chipotle to Chevron.

The first “single” is called “Pepsi” and talks about not being addicted to Pepsi, but really wanting one so he doesn’t get a headache.

“Netflix” is a spoken word-ish track with childlike instrumentals detailing his frustration with their price hike and the fact that his favorite Corey Feldman movie is not available.

My personal favorite is the folk-inspired “Skittles” which warns that their genetically modified ingredients will eventually give you cancer and kill you.

This isn’t a record to go running to or put on during a casual gathering. You need to be in the mood to listen to it. I enjoyed it quite a bit for what it is: witty, funny, very dark most times, but all-around entertaining.

The second record, a six-song EP called Bartholin and released under his own name, is more serious, with longer songs and deeper lyrics. It is not at all what I expected after listening to the first one but is very entertaining in its own right.

It reminds me of a mix of Ryan Adams and The Eels. (NOTE: If you haven’t heard Daisies of the Galaxy by The Eels, go listen to that right now).

The standout track is “In Search Of”. This song belongs right in the middle of the soundtrack of the next big independent film. A harpsichord lead line relates over and over throughout, driving the song forward and contrasting the mellow, but deep and haunting vocals.

The other 5 tracks don’t offer anything too memorable, but they go well together to create a cohesive EP. The inclusion of differing instrumentation from the harpsichord to a Hammond organ and female vocals in some tracks kept my interest enough to give it a few listens. Any fans of the mellow indie/folk genres should check out this record.

Drew Danburry will be performing live in Fargo on Saturday, October 8th at Sahr’s Sudden Service. Joining him will be Aubrey Debauchery, Randi Olsen, and Aura. Music starts at 7 PM. I look forward to seeing if he will mix his more serious songs in with a set of his jingles.

IF YOU GO

Drew Danburry with Aubrey Debauchery, Randi Olson, and Aura

Saturday, October 8, 7pm

Sahr’s Sudden Service, 601 4th St N, Fargo

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