Daphne Loves Derby - Good Night, Witness Light

[Scott Irvine]

Daphne Loves Derby - Good Night, Witness Light
Released March 27th, 2007
Outlook Music


Believe me; I’m well aware what I am getting myself into by reviewing Daphne Loves Derby’s newest. There is a clear and present divide on this band and for good reason. Their early development in the maturity department, to an extent that surpasses bands twice their age, is an instant attraction to some. With that maturity, however, comes a fairly uninteresting byproduct in some cases and this being one of them. Their execution just can’t juggle it, unfortunately. Good Night, Witness Light is more or less a slightly modified revision of the same material these guys have been cranking out since ‘03. There is some slight newfound clarity in various instances, but not enough for those who found nothing of interest on On the Strength of All Convinced. Those who got off to the band’s first proper full-length, however, are more than likely going to be surprised with what this Seattle trio has crafted this time around.

I want to love this album, but getting past some of its irritating tendencies just make it impossible. Daphne have all the song writing ability and stirring musicianship down pat; proving undeserving of asshole Fall Out Boy comparisons (http://www.soundthesirens.com/articles/index.php?id=33,663,0,0,1,0) amongst other snide review tools to degrade these guys to the level of some band riding the waves of Something Corporate and Copeland’s success. Truth is, these guys are on the doorstep of something incredible, they just haven't quite made it work this time around. Good Night, Witness Light just takes beautifully plaintive aspects, which would otherwise work well, and scatters them between run of the mill pop-rock anthems (“No One Is Convinced”, “Miniature Christmas Tree”). Had Daphne maintained the strength and beauty they caught in the two album bookends, “Are Two Chords Enough, Dear?” and “How’s It Going to End?”, this album would’ve already been dubbed a “classic” by now.

This has got to be the first album in a long while where Matt Squire’s behind-the-scene work doesn’t rub me the wrong way. The production is crystal clear, the studio-bred filler is always in good taste, and Kenny Choi’s capable vocal ability couldn’t have rung truer. He must’ve been crazy, however, to agree to include “Marching Band Intro” into the mix. This “interlude” completely disrupts any continuity Good Night, Witness Light had going for it. That’s half the problem here, as mentioned above; the album is thoroughly unstable and lacks any distinct theme musically. When I did find myself listening all the way through, it was for little embellishments and tidbits here and there. Such as the guitar work in the verses of “Stranger, You and I” and Jason Call’s bass lines in “Iron in the Backseat” and “To Struggle With Light Colors”. Daphne is great at throwing one fantastic aspect to a song and moving on, which is great for first impressions but kills any staying power.

Lyrically, this is about as straightforward as Kenny has gone. There’s not nearly as much imagination here found in past songs such as “A Year On An Airplane”. Kenny speaks a lot about change and progression. These themes find themselves in areas such as “Oh what a sight it would be/if the skies were replaced with flying machines” in “How’s It Going to End?” and New Years references in “Love and Mercy” and “Miniature Christmas Tree”. The album artwork even evokes past trends or ideals being on exhibit, giving Kenny the initiative to observe them as properly as he does here.

You have to hand it to Daphne Loves Derby for keeping their material consistent and full-bodied, but they still have some lofty obstacles the band has to surpass before they can fully harness their obvious talent. Until that happens though, Good Night, Witness Light is a respectable effort in the right direction. It’s got its moments, nevertheless a disappointment for fans expecting more. With bassist Jason Call’s recent departure, the band is getting some new blood. Maybe with this Daphne will get out of their four year funk. We can only hope.

[jusscali]

I want to love it too, but they just seem to keep falling flat for me. It's got it's bright spots, like albums in the past, but I've been waiting for it all to come together for a while now. I disagree with the production comments - from the moment I first heard the advance of this disc I felt it would have faired far better if he hadn't of touched it.

[Branevember31]

I like it, but it could be so much more. Good review.

[brentkid]

That's how I feel about this band. I really want to like them, but I can never really find that hook.

[squared82]

I just can't get into this album.. o, well.

[Rich Duncan]

Good review. I never really could get into this band

[Scott Irvine]

I want to love it too, but they just seem to keep falling flat for me. It's got it's bright spots, like albums in the past, but I've been waiting for it all to come together for a while now. I disagree with the production comments - from the moment I first heard the advance of this disc I felt it would have faired far better if he hadn't of touched it.

Agreed except with the production, of course. When I looked up who produced it, I was honestly surprised it said 'Matt Squire'. Normally I could detect his style, but it honestly doesn't really come through on this one.

[Steve Henderson]

You were pretty nice about this release. I didn't care for it at all, especially the production. Squire bugs me lately.

[TheArdentLove]

I must be listening to a different record than everybody else. I thought that for the most part, with the exception of "Marching Band Intro," that the album flowed very well. I don't think that this band gets the credit that they deserve. I can tell that if they stick around, they can be something really amazing.

[Scott Irvine]

I can tell that if they stick around, they can be something really amazing.

I think I touched on that...

[patpratt]

i felt a lot of the "extra stuff" on this album to be annoying and not needed. (i.e. horns, marching band intro etc.)

[Drew Beringer]

Good review Scott. I probably would have rated this thing in the 50's or so, but more power to ya! :-)

[stevoemo]

i agree with everything in this review. good album and i do enjoy it, i just don't see the progression i was hoping for. again, i fall in the " I want to like it more than i actually do" catergory.

[Scott Irvine]

Good review Scott. I probably would have rated this thing in the 50's or so, but more power to ya! :-)

Uh? It's by no means "average" as 50's imply. Average is bands like The Audition or Punchline.

[Steve Henderson]

Uh? It's by no means "average" as 50's imply. Average is bands like The Audition or Punchline.
I would consider The Audition far better than Daphne Loves Derby, personally.

[Scott Irvine]

I would consider The Audition far better than Daphne Loves Derby, personally.

Really? Wow. That's unfortunate Steve.

:-p

[fecalman2]

I love this album. I see what everyone's saying about the marching band intro, but I think it's just creative. This band is awesome, and they were incredibly nice guys too. Did you know Kenny Choi is like 6'3"? The guy is a lot bigger than I thought.

[Drew Beringer]

Uh? It's by no means "average" as 50's imply. Average is bands like The Audition or Punchline.

It's average to me. I don't find much enjoyment out of this album.

[Jawknee]

What a terrible thing to say that with Jason Call gone they might get out of their funk -- it's as if you're saying he was holding them back. I really am appalled by that comment. I don't see what's wrong with the Marching Band Intro, in fact it's a great lead into their first single. The lyrics are the same as before you say? Not really. Look at "To Struggle, Love & Mercy, No One Is, Iron in the, etc. -- totally darker than the last album. A 5 in creativity? Right, because the cello, trumpet, banjo, accordion, harp, harmonica, keyboards, marching band percussion, and french horn among other instruments were not nearly as creative as the past album that lacked all of those things. This album deserves at LEAST an 80% -- if that. I agree with the album being the better with the first and last track but it was a much better album than the last one -- not just a little bit -- a lot.

[Scott Irvine]

The lyrics are the same as before you say? A 5 in creativity?

You're a moron for saying that when clearly I said the opposite.

As for Jason's departure, I only implied adding "fresh blood" to the band may inspire a new direction.

Get off your fucking high horse, and quit being "appalled" by the smallest things.

[Jawknee]

You're a moron for saying that when clearly I said the opposite.

As for Jason's departure, I only implied adding "fresh blood" to the band may inspire a new direction.

Get off your fucking high horse, and quit being "appalled" by the smallest things.
Wow, first of all, I have every right to make remarks on your review - if you can't handle someone doing that without calling names then don't write a review at all.

"Lyrically, this is about as straightforward as Kenny has gone. There’s not nearly as much imagination here found in past songs such as 'A Year On An Airplane'." I took that as, "the lyrics are pretty simple and were better on the last album," if that's not what you meant, then by all means I apologize.

And I can get appalled at anything I want. Grow up. Act like you're staff here, not a 16 year old brat.

[Imtheotherguy]

that marching band intro is so cheesy. sounds like they did all the instruments on a roland electric drumset.

[Tony Pascarella]

I would have rated it much lower overall, but the number is pretty irrelevant. I liked this CD a lot less than you did. :shrug:

I feel like the band took a couple steps back in everything except for self-indulgence. The songs came off as almost artificial at times, unlike the majority of the last album.

And to the guy ranting that this album deserves an 80% or more, read the review instead of the numbers. Scott pointed out the good and bad parts of the album, which is a hell of a lot more important than a stupid number to sum it up. Stop worrying about two digits. It will save everyone here a lot of aggravation responding to it and other users the irritation of reading it over and over again.

[TheArdentLove]

I think I touched on that...

I know you did. I didn't say you didn't touch on that...

I just had the same feeling on it.

My remark wasn't aimed toward your review as much as it was aimed at everyone in general. You did a good job reviewing it though.

[Brett9]

great review, Scott! I was surprised by this album when I listened to the full stream on Fuse. I think I'll be picking it up - though I agree with almost everything you said about the band as a whole. It's almost frustrating to see this band not living up to their potential with each release. The talent is definitely there, but for some reason, they can't bring it all together to make it work. This album, in my opinion, is at least a step in the right direction.

[blinkredstar]

Am I the only one who absolutely loved this album?

[Steve Henderson]

You're a moron for saying that when clearly I said the opposite.

As for Jason's departure, I only implied adding "fresh blood" to the band may inspire a new direction.

Get off your fucking high horse, and quit being "appalled" by the smallest things.
Settle down, killa. Pick your battles.

[TheArdentLove]

Am I the only one who absolutely loved this album?

I absolutely love it.

[Johnnydcp]

I second Steve's comment about the Audition

[Scott Weber]

Couple comments:

I was very dissapointed by the production, I'm just not a Squire fan and I think he really held them back. Too many tricks.

The Audition is mediocre. Punchline is one of the worst bands in the scene.

Jawknee is a gigantic Daphne fan and he's going to argue anything you have to say about them if it isn't super nice.

The end.

[Holden85]

personally, I loved this record

[brentkid]

What a terrible thing to say that with Jason Call gone they might get out of their funk -- it's as if you're saying he was holding them back. I really am appalled by that comment. I don't see what's wrong with the Marching Band Intro, in fact it's a great lead into their first single. The lyrics are the same as before you say? Not really. Look at "To Struggle, Love & Mercy, No One Is, Iron in the, etc. -- totally darker than the last album. A 5 in creativity? Right, because the cello, trumpet, banjo, accordion, harp, harmonica, keyboards, marching band percussion, and french horn among other instruments were not nearly as creative as the past album that lacked all of those things. This album deserves at LEAST an 80% -- if that. I agree with the album being the better with the first and last track but it was a much better album than the last one -- not just a little bit -- a lot.
It's pretty obvious he meant that someone new may help them steer in a new direction. Don't let the sand in your vagina get to you like that.

[mortal soldier]

"Daphne have all the song writing ability and stirring musicianship down pat; proving undeserving of asshole Fall Out Boy comparisons (http://www.soundthesirens.com/articles/index.php?id=33,663,0,0,1,0) amongst other snide review tools to degrade these guys to the level of some band riding the waves of Something Corporate and Copeland’s success."

Did you actually read the review you linked to? It actually encourages the reader to disavow any comparison to bands like Fall Out Boy and is far from "asshole"ish. There's no snide attitude or degradation; it actually gives a more positive review of the album then you do.

Here are some quotes from that review:

"Daphne Loves Derby is, far and away, miles ahead better and more intelligent than the bands they vaguely resemble"


"Essentially by the time you’re about three tracks in and thoroughly enjoying “Iron In The Backseat,” you realize that the Fall Out Boy comparisons were a bit foolish, now"

[saving jonathan]

i have yet to hear this album, but plan on picking it up. i love old daphne stuff, but it seems like this album is either hit or miss with most people.

and why the hate for punchline and the audition? those are solid bands in my book.

[Scott Weber]

i have yet to hear this album, but plan on picking it up. i love old daphne stuff, but it seems like this album is either hit or miss with most people.

and why the hate for punchline and the audition? those are solid bands in my book.
Punchline is probably the worst band around playing pop-punk. How people can enjoy that empty, off-tune, lifeless pop-punk is beyond me.

[Steve Henderson]

snide review tools to degrade these guys to the level of some band riding the waves of Something Corporate and Copeland’s success.

In my opinion, DLD always has been and always will be a far less engaging, watered-down version of Copeland, just like the hundreds of other bands trying to follow in Copeland's wake. Not trying to knock the review in the least...just thought I would share my opinion on the band.

[Scott Weber]

In my opinion, DLD always has been and always will be a far less engaging, watered-down version of Copeland, just like the hundreds of other bands trying to follow in Copeland's wake. Not trying to knock the review in the least...just thought I would share my opinion on the band.
I've never even thought to compare the two bands, considering how much more upbeat and poppy Daphne's music is as a whole. I wouldn't even put them in the same sentence personally.

[Steve Henderson]

I've never even thought to compare the two bands, considering how much more upbeat and poppy Daphne's music is as a whole. I wouldn't even put them in the same sentence personally.
Okay - to each his own. First time I ever heard them, thats the parallel I drew, and I know tons of others think the same thing. Listen to a song like "Debussy" and tell me you don't hear any similarities.

[eclipsegts1]

you guys should also notice how a lot of the lyrics on the new album refer to a lot of lyrics of their past songs. it's pretty neat to find them.

[SureShot9]

I'm kinda upset that this review didn't mention "Cue The Sun!" which is, by far, the best track on the album. That's where the bands talent really shines, and it seems like it only comes through on that one track. I am a huge fan of the Acoustic EP they released, and Closing Down The Pattern Department, but the last 2 full lengths just haven't done it for me. They need to find a producer they really click with.

[shaki324]

thanks for the review! i'm going to their CD release show tonight but oddly enough i'm a little more excited to see Self Against City play. that's not how it should be :-( here's hoping Daphne can change my mind.

[Vismund_Cygnus]

They're a great band...but still doubtful about this album.

Maybe later...

[Jawknee]

Okay - to each his own. First time I ever heard them, thats the parallel I drew, and I know tons of others think the same thing. Listen to a song like "Debussy" and tell me you don't hear any similarities.I don't actually. I never once thought to compare them to Copeland. Might just be you.

[Jawknee]

Couple comments:

I was very dissapointed by the production, I'm just not a Squire fan and I think he really held them back. Too many tricks.

The Audition is mediocre. Punchline is one of the worst bands in the scene.

Jawknee is a gigantic Daphne fan and he's going to argue anything you have to say about them if it isn't super nice.

The end.Sorta true not really. You have Gatsbys, I have Daphne.

The first time I listened to this new Daphne release -- it started off really good. It started to die down, then it picked up again at the end. So just like the reviewer said -- strong entrance, strong ending, sorta jumbled middle. But once I listened again -- I fell in love. I hate judging albums on first listens (even movies with a first watch -- yes, sometimes I watch a movie more than once to make a final opinion). The new record is for sure a better record than the last and they're going in a great direction -- maybe a bit slowly, but they're getting there. I do apologize for any exaggeration in earlier posts.

[loveandwar]

this is their sophmore album, and its stronger than the first. which is very hard to find these days. the boys are still very young. they stick to their format in writing and it creates success. you can't judge an album by one listen. the copeland comparison is lame. they are influenced by copeland, but by no means watered down. they are poppier, but still have slower melodies in the album. doing that shows they have variety in stlyes. expect huge things from daphne. they have alot to come. i will say the early demos will always be the best for me, but the new material is great and shows maturity.

[Scott Irvine]

you can't judge an album by one listen.

Are you saying you think I only listened to the album once? Bro, I've listened to it over 30 times over a 2 week period. Who do you think you're talking to?

[hatexhurtsxall]

nice review.
i love 'em, but i was kinda disappointed.

[ViCSQUEAK]

this is their sophmore album, and its stronger than the first. which is very hard to find these days. the boys are still very young. they stick to their format in writing and it creates success. you can't judge an album by one listen. the copeland comparison is lame. they are influenced by copeland, but by no means watered down. they are poppier, but still have slower melodies in the album. doing that shows they have variety in stlyes. expect huge things from daphne. they have alot to come. i will say the early demos will always be the best for me, but the new material is great and shows maturity.

Oh I totally agree ! I really don ' t see the negative things that other people see in Daphne Loves Derby , but I ' m just a fan .

[sumazngeek]

at least yours is better than the other assholes review

[AMAAS]

I just can't get into this album.. o, well.

play the songs "Cue The Sun!", "How's It Going To End?", and "Iron In The Backseat together in that order, and THEN try to listen to it all the way through, I always find 3 songs I really like on albums that i cant seem to get into and then listen to those 3 songs in a certain pattern and get into the CD in most cases, unless they really are THAT weak

[PshhitsLizzie]

Yeah , I'm a little disappointed , "Cue the Sun" was by far the best song , I wish there could have been more similiar to that . :/