Herman Düne
(Everloving)
Herman Dune is by and large a band universally loved and respected by everyone-everyone, that is, who understands the widespread approval rating showered upon contemporary "anti" folk artists, namely ex-Moldy Peaches singer/guitarist/indie-film breakout Kimya Dawson. At its worst, Dune's latest release recalls Dawson's quirky ditties which are arguably overrated and, well, unlistenable. At its best, however, Next Year In Zion is as pleasing as a stiff pina colada and subsequent frolic on the beach-subjects the two Parisians could easily fold into their train-of-thought narratives. Often favorably compared to Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, singer David-Ivar Herman Dune possesses a similarly rambling style that lends an improvisational quality to each song. Occasionally, the run-on sentences get a bit jumbled and David-Ivar starts to sound like a hyperactive eight-year-old who can't wait to tell you all about his day-"I saw this cute girl on the playground she is so pretty and offered me some of her sandwich but it was peanut butter and I am allergic to peanuts so we ran to the swing set and then I had to go home and now I'm here what's for dinner?"
Herman Dune's breathless enthusiasm extends to advanced stages of puppy love-"and while my baby doesn't like cars because she thinks that they're a nuisance in this town but when I drive around she doesn't mind riding shotgun my baby thinks driving is fun"-and many of life's other basic pleasures that adults often neglect or sidestep altogether.
The music itself is solid and catchy-tropical, globe-trotting folk and jazz with Herman Dune's permanent rhythm section amplified by talented guest artists including honey-sweet backup vocalists the Babyskins, ace guitarist David Tattersall and the John Natchez Bourbon Horn players.
So, even if it's not your thing, give Herman Dune a chance. They might just make you smile. At least slip one song onto a mixtape for your secret crush and make him or her smile. JAMIE GADETTE
