After releasing a trio of well-received singles this year, DanFromUpstairs is set to make his mark with his eclectic debut album, Hopeless Fables.
DanFromUpstairs – Hopeless Fables
Brighton’s Daniel O’Brien, known as DanFromUpstairs, has been tirelessly promoting his debut full-length album. Embracing an eclectic approach, Dan blends multiple genres as a form of creative expression, a theme that resonates throughout the 11 tracks of his debut LP, Hopeless Fables.
With a diverse and vibrant mix of sounds spanning rock, electronica, hip-hop, funk, jungle, and folk, DanFromUpstairs challenges the notion of perfection that often surrounds ideas like life, death, and love.
“What if the spirits that controlled our fate were just as hopeless as we are? What if death was flawed and clumsy? What if love could misfire? Would we still try to find order amidst the chaos?”
The album opens with the instrumental track Pearly Gates, a fitting introduction featuring a chaotic mix of sounds that gives way to emotional depth, setting the tone for the rest of the record. Cupid’s Error follows, with infectious beats and standout guitar work, enhanced by Dan’s collaborator Luke Matthews, whose vocals add a soothing element.
The album then takes an unpredictable turn with Cthulu, The Circus Animal, a drum & bass instrumental bursting with frantic scratching and saxophone melodies. In contrast, Genie in a Baggie offers a funky, danceable groove with spoken verses that pull you into its rhythm.
Death’s Diary, featuring rapper Surron the 7th, continues the upbeat energy with a captivating mix of female vocals and sharp rhymes. Two instrumental interludes follow, with Stork in a Storm delivering electronic arrangements and Grief slowing the pace, layering hazy effects and poignant guitar.
One of the album’s singles, Love, takes a refreshing look at this universal theme, supported by an irresistible guitar hook and vocals from Luke Matthews. Ugly Succubus brings futuristic flair, blending robotic effects with rapper BrokenPen’s dynamic wordplay.
As the album nears its conclusion, Happy Ending delivers another groovy track with energy and precision. The final song, Death’s Disciple, features singer-songwriter Elliot Albert Orchard, evoking a sombre mood with acoustic guitar and deep vocals, closing the album with an ethereal, theatrical flourish.
“Hopeless Fables offers an engaging collection of thought-provoking musical stories, with its rich variety and standout performances inviting listeners to return to this sonic experience again and again.“
With its wide range of genres and intriguing themes, Hopeless Fables stands as a remarkable achievement for DanFromUpstairs, delivering an otherworldly experience that’s well worth revisiting.
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Words Javier Rodriguez
