Over the past decade, David Dondero has been a marginalised mainstay in America’s alt.folk sector. His previous band, Sunbrain, released three LPs between 1993 and 1996 with zero impact. This second solo album will hopefully fare better. Teaming up with associates of Bright Eyes, Dondero’s tremulous vocals and brisk, gritty blues-folk is similar to Conor Oberst (who guests here on backing vocals). But he’s no pale imitator. With songs as energetic and beautiful as “The Stars Are My Chandelier”, Dondero is clearly in a class of his own.
Advertisement