Daniel Christian - coffee

Daniel Christian

Coffee
self-released; 2017

3.8 out of 5

By Dan Weston

Music is a tough business. Making a living as a musician is takes talent, tons of effort and luck -  like lots of luck. For Daniel Christian he took the leap almost ten years ago when he quit his job as a high school English teacher.

He plans on releasing two EP’s this year. The first which recently arrived is entitled Coffee. Christian plays into a number of styles but if I had to chose one I would describe it as pop/rock. He mentions artist like Elvis Costello, Weezer and Teenage Fanclub as influences. Those influences weren't obvious to me. The more obvious comparison would be a band like Fountains of Wayne that above all else are about the hooks just like Christian is.

The songs aren’t heavy in an emotional way. For the most part the songs felt light, were easy to appreciate, backyard BBQ type type tunes that could be enjoyed by a wide variety of people. Take for example “A Girl In The Band” which dabbles in a topic that isn’t heady in the least. The title says it all. How having a girl in the band would be advantageous.

“It’s Perfect” is well pretty much perfect power-pop. The song is fast, fun and above all very catchy. “Juliana” felt more just like straight pop to me. I have to admit I preferred “You Don't Know Her” which has hints of bands like Huey Lewis and the News during the verse  but once the chorus hits it almost has a ’60s pop feel to it. It somehow worked.

“Bruisin' the Bricks” is arguably the most rocking song on the EP while “Only One” contains some exceptional vocal harmonies. Christian closes with a highlight entitled “Never Wrong” which has a fast moving swing to it.

​Coffee is a familiar sounding in plenty of ways but I didn't mind that because of the top notch production and delivery. This is an EP that you mostly enjoy right off the bat or you won’t. You don’t need to take a deep dive. If you are looking for a bunch of well written infectious melodies don't pass this up.

official website

Tweet