We’re talking about an almost consumptive stripling, turning his poems and short stories into songs consisting of just a piano and his thin little voice. Seriously? Seriously. Because when young Douglas Dare from Great Britain first came along with his debut »Seven Hours«, he really stunned the critics. First of all, it didn’t sound as corny as the story behind it suggested, and secondly, it’s almost impossible to hear that the four tracks were recorded in just one take, improvised at most parts. One thing was for sure: From then on, great things were to expect from Douglas Dare. And now, finally, »Whelm« is fulfilling our expectations. Once again, Dare has teamed up with producer and percussionist Fabian Prynn in order to record 10 tracks in record time. And while »Seven Hours« was pretty lo-fi, the latest production is much denser, and still doesn’t lack authenticity or intimacy. Douglas Dare’s currency is sincerity, buying him out of any accusations when it comes to pathos or pretense. Yes, this record is full of big emotions, but there’s no kitsch in sight. Prynn has put the 10 tracks into a rhythm-corset that’s as peculiar as it is unobtrusive, which Dare has used to popularize his new favorite instrument, a mini-Moog. And while »Seven Hours« was much more than a young musician’s first and quiet sign of life, »Whelm« is a self-confident, artistic statement, ready to crush even the slightest doubt. The consumptive stripling with his piano and his thin voice is here to stay.
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