Dan Trolley - "Electric Hours"

Channeling Blank Dogs, The Fall and even a little Jesus and Mary Chain, Dan Trolley's Bandcamp debut is dark, moody, and eclectic. It's just a one man affair but sounds no worse for it. A careful arranging of cold synths and brittle guitars makes it sound like Martin Hannett is at the producing helm. But don't let all the allusions I just used fool you: Trolley's music is very much his own.

While the entire album is set to the beat of a drum-machine, it's never distracting. Dan croons from what sounds like the back of a basketball court, perhaps an infernal basketball court. The lyrics often get lost but the pathos remains intact. Still, it would be helpful to have some liner notes to decode some of the less audible lyrics.

Guitar playing is simple and economical. Instead of solos and spotlight-stealing lead playing, Trolley is far more concerned with songwriting craft. The lo-fi rock is truly worthy of being described as DIY. Because, after all, what is more DIY than making rock/punk/post-punk music without a rock/punk/post-punk band? 

Hopefully, there's more to come, and if it does come, may there be a label smart enough to sign Mr. Trolley.

KEY SONGS:
1. Don't feel down
2. Slow reaction
3. Your ways