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Damien Binder - Album Review: A New World

06 May 2016 // A review by Peter-James Dries

NZ Music Month is dead, read a misquoted article. The proliferation of local music has taken it from a niche market of second rate international knock-offs to an over-abundance, removing the novelty and therefore the need to celebrate something so common place.

But if New Zealand music is everywhere, then where is it? Why is it that every time I accidentally land on the Edge TV, or take a ride in a car with FM all I hear is the repetitious and easily forgotten international pop of this age? 

Semi ex-pat though Damien Binder may be, aren’t we as a nation are usually quick to reappropriate our assets when others (generally Australia) claim ownership. Then where are the artists like Damien Binder when I’m channel surfing?

If Dave Dobbyn was just starting out today, would he have the same impact? Would he garner the same airplay?

I ask because that is the sound of Binder’s A New World. Relaxed rock with a hint of country, notably present on the track Evergreen. Gone is the dark grungy defiance from the days of Second Child, but that is expected, as I imagine a lot of the band and fans’ adolescent angst has dissipated over the past twenty years. 

What remains when all the anger is gone is a collection of musing observational and reflective pieces with lyrics of love and life laced with the cynical remnants of a bygone rebel, an evolution that comes with maturity and open eyes. There’s an appeal in that to me, more than there is in bunting, fighting, excessive drinking and made up words.

Perhaps it’s the generation gap, it could be I’m at the age of self-reflection and reminiscence. Maybe I’m just one of those old people, out of touch with the modern world, whose opinion counts for naught. Whatever the case, if it was up to me, there would be more music like A New World in the world today.

You can find A New World on the Damien Binder Bandcamp Page.

 

About Damien Binder

Singer-songwriter Damien Binder has been writing and recording his original style of moody alt-rock for more than 20 years.

Since his self-titled debut in the early 2000’s, the APRA Silver Scroll nominated artist has gone on to release four acclaimed solo albums and performed internationally supporting some of the world's leading acts including David Gray, Marianne Faithfull and Ani Di Franco.

Prior to pursuing his solo career, Damien fronted New Zealand rock band Second Child who shot to fame with their debut album Slinky which saw the band play esteemed support slots for acts such as The Jesus and Mary Chain, Powderfinger, Rollins Band, Hunters & Collectors, Fugazi and famously Nirvana on their only NZ tour.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Damien Binder

Releases

Bright Side
Year: 2023
Type: Album
A New World
Year: 2016
Type: Album
While The Wind's At Your Back
Year: 2009
Type: Album
Til Now
Year: 2003
Type: Album
Damien Binder
Year: 2000
Type: Album

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