Critical Voices: Dan Deacon

Say what you want about Dan Deacon, but he’s nothing if not sincere. He doesn’t wear his often ragtag, Technicolor clothes because they’re ironic; he just likes how they look. This “realness” has always permeated his music, and is one of its most refreshing characteristics—when you listen to Dan Deacon, the artist, you know you’re hearing the purest expression of Dan Deacon, the man. It’s weird, silly, joyful, and at times a little too much—but so is Deacon.
The announcement, then, that Bromst, Deacon’s first release with a large audience waiting, would feature a full band may have gotten some people worried. No need to put away your Zubaz yet, I say—the Wham City wizard has crafted his strongest and slickest-sounding record to date. The full band gives Deacon’s trademark mind-fucks a sense of space that shows just how smart his songwriting really is.
“Smarter” would be a good way to contrast this album with 2007’s Spiderman of the Rings. It certainly sounds like a Dan Deacon record, but there are slower parts, places where Deacon allows the songs to unfurl without any ultimate breakdown in mind. The only weak point is Bromst’s lack of a truly great single; still, I’ll take an hour-long adventure over a three-minute rave any day.