Review: Danny Echo “Unplugged and Unglued” [EP]

Rock
You may recall that we raved about the debut record from Danny Echo back in 2009 (see here). Danny Echo, who counts the Rolling Stones, The Who, Beatles, Radiohead, and U2 as influences, is back with a new five song EP of stripped down songs (to be released January 24). Overall, these tunes hold up very well in the unplugged format, allowing Danny Echo to showcase his vocals and shine the spotlight on the quality of the songwriting. The subdued yet engaging “Help Yourself” leads the pack, setting the perfect stage for this collection. The contrast of some soaring electric guitar floating atop the acoustic base of “Barely Getting By” is sublime, and be sure not to miss the beautiful and contemplative closer, “Never Make It Home”. “Unplugged and Unglued” is a welcome treat for fans, but I imagine this one is not going to hold them over for long.

More about Danny Echo: here

News and free mp3 from DANNY ECHO

This just in from Danny Echo (see review of his latest album here).

"We have some exciting news. First off, we have just finished recording a new "radio version" of our 'Tomorrow Today' (a previous version was included on our last CD). The new, improved version was mixed by the legendary Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Franz Ferdinand, etc), and produced by Jeff Dawson (Daniel Powter, Kelly Rowland, Tal Bachman). You can download the new version for FREE on our website at: http://www.dannyecho.com/echoes.htm

Second item: We have the honour of being selected as one of the Top 20 finalists in the Vancouver-based Peak Performance Project, a seven-year,$5.29 million contest open to all independent musicians in Vancouver (and the rest of British Columbia, Canada). Of these twenty artists, the top three will share $275,000 in cash for career development. First place receives $150,000; second place receives $75,000; and third place receives $50,000. Obviously, the prize money would be a huge boost for our career....Part of the criteria we are being judged on is an online vote. Please vote for DANNY ECHO! Create a wave of support for us: http://www.peakperformanceproject.com/?page_id=1113

We have some additional brand new material that we are preparing for a new release, so we'll keep you posted as soon as it is released!" -DANNY ECHO

Review: Danny Echo "Danny Echo"

I've had a thirst for some straight up, good ol' rock and roll for some time now - Danny Echo, a Vancouver-based band, really hit the spot with their explosive brand of classic rock and pop. Their first, self-titled full-length release is pure dynamite.

Danny Echo writes and performs each song on this record as if it were going to be the radio-friendly single. The skeleton for each of these 10 songs is a structure of solid melody, but fleshing it out is plenty of guitar muscle and vocal grit. So Danny Echo comes rushing out of the gate as more of a melodic rock band to me, with some sprinkling of powerpop here and there.

Danny Echo counts the Rolling Stones, The Who, Beatles, Radiohead, and U2 as influences; this is a diverse list of some of the kings of classic and modern rock. You'll hear a touch of them all among the tracks on this fine debut, but to my ears Danny Echo has injected something novel into the mix that really makes this record shine.

Vocally, Danny Echo resembles Noel Gallagher of Oasis somewhat, but nowhere near as nasally and mundane. His vocal tone is more colorful and his delivery has a greater emotional impact. Musically, this is downright catchy, punchy, no nonsense rock. The CD plays great in its entirety because there ain't a dud in the bunch, but highlights for me where largely stacked up front, with "Out of Style", "Killing Me", and "Tomorrow Today". I also really enjoyed the soaring and inspirational mid-tempo treat, "Barely Getting By".

If there is any hope for someone to stand up and save rock and roll in its truest and purist form, Danny Echo is a strong contender to lead that campaign. If there is any justice in the musical world, 2009 will be the year that the music of Danny Echo bounces back for everyone to hear and enjoy.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8

Danny Echo on MySpace. Official site.