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Daphne Loves Derby

On The Strength Of All Convinced (2005)
Outlook

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Brian
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on July 26th 2005

At their core, Seattle's Daphne Loves Derby is a fairly derivative, slow-tempoed emo pop outfit. Granted, that's probably rather fitting since the band's most famous trait is having been one on the first bands on purevolume to garner a million listens. While this description is bound to arm potential listeners with assault-ready Q-Tips and pre-cringe preparation, On The Strength Of All Convinced is actually a pretty tolerable effort from the young trio (aged 18-20 a head); but that isn't to say it's without its problems.

The band doesn't seem to reach too far back for influence, but luckily, they at least remain, for the most part, inspired by the more talented/enjoyable acts of their style. The vocals and resulting harmonies are definitely comparable to fellow Washingtonians and tourmates This Providence (production from Casey Bates, who did the TP full-length, likely contributes to the effect), the simplistic piano usage similar to Mae's last effort, and an overall sort of lazy affectation á la Days Away. Aside from these traits, however, the band does little to captivate the listener besides implement some fairly catchy hooks. It's rare we find lead vocalist Kenny Choi exploring his range or the band departing far from the shuffling acoustics that make up their base sound.

Strength is also marred by a major sequencing problem in its latter half. The closer, "What We Have Been Waiting For," is an upbeat emo pop track that's an alright song on its own, but is entirely too abrupt to be anything but a cut better reserved for the early-to-mid portion of the record. In track 8, "Pollen And Salt," DLD really manage to distance themselves from their peers here, executing fluttering acoustic guitars and seemingly drawing more from more indie pop/rock-oriented acts; the slower tempo here acting against the subtle, wish-washy backdrop would've been perfect to close the same way Death Cab For Cutie's "A Lack Of Color" caps Transatlanticism so perfectly.

Daphne Loves Derby definitely has potential to be not only one of the more tolerable acts of their genre, but one of the downright enjoyable ones. If the band decides to flex their creative muscle a bit more on the next turn around, that could be just what bridges them across.

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Anonymous (May 18, 2006)

It's a straight chill album. I love to twist up a blunt and listen to it. Relaxing. Birthday Gallery is by far my favorite. DLD is good. Who gives a fuck what emo means or what type of music it is. If its good it deserves to be listened to. If it sucks then turn it off and shut the fuck up.

Anonymous (May 3, 2006)

Does anyone else think that If You're Lucky, No One Will Get Hurt is the best song ever? And for that matter, this whole album. Cause I think it rocks!!

Anonymous (March 8, 2006)

although i do respect brian's thoughts on DLD i must say however that reviews are mostly based on personal tastes. if someone enjoys speed metal...they might not want to listen to smoothe jazz. so here's the rub when it comes to DLD...they do have a slower tempo style of music...but its on purpose. their music isn't meant to go moshing with, it's more just to sit back n listen to. for me i love their music along with some other bands and artists...but for anyone to say be able to accurately judge a bands efforts...u really need to get out of the box and listen to everything thats out there

Anonymous (January 10, 2006)

pfft. so what. emotion is just one aspect of 'emo' that i said not nescessarily saying thats all it means. sure, artists like eninem or whoever the fuck you want to say has emotion but isnt obviously emo, but who the fuck cares. daphne loves derby is amazing, whether you choose to call them emo or not.

Anonymous (January 9, 2006)

First of all 'emo' doesnt mean emotional for all you fucking retards out there who think it does. It stands for Emotive Hardcore, so you can just stfu if you think it means emotional. Take eminem for example....he has emotion in his songs...is he 'emo'? No. Daphne Loves Derby is fucking awesome and if you don't like them you can suck a dick cause they are sweet

Anonymous (January 3, 2006)

Omg i love your musicc!!!! you are seriously the best and u rockk my stinken pants off

Anonymous (December 22, 2005)

I don't mind Daphne Loves Derby at all. Their music is calming, has lots of feeling and emotion.. which is something every "emo" band needs. I love Daphne Loves Derby because they have beautiful lyrics and the acoustic is amazing, considering I'm a big fan of acoustic.

stricken (August 2, 2005)

this band sounds almost exactly like This Providence at times... or maybe just sound like This Providence trying to be Copeland.

maverick (July 28, 2005)

This record was sooooooooooo boring. No energy whatsoever. Has the scene already diluted itself enough where we're getting Mae and Copeland rip-offs??

-Scott

Kenjamin (July 27, 2005)

Thanks Brian.

Big_Guy (July 27, 2005)

no sir

theevilmonkey (July 27, 2005)

By the way, for eighteen to twenty year olds, the lyrical content here is very solid.

etwiels88 (July 27, 2005)

I like the artwork of this album.

This band has gotten so much exposure this past year it's been crazy.

stevejonestherealbones (July 26, 2005)

That's too bad! Hey!!! I'd like to post a quick one...the Band Diana Gone WRong is about to be signed by a major record label, but have lost their main guitarist...damn...drama...but, go to DianaGoneWRong.com and check it out. If interested, e-mail Diana at DianaGoneWRong@hotmail.com Orange County Register did the largest article ever on a OC punk band..this past Sunday...and it was Diana....peace out and thanks * family member of Diana

p.s. if you Love Derby, you'll love us for sure

- jones the bones

theevilmonkey (July 26, 2005)

I really like this album a lot- sure, it's not ground breaking, but it's really, really solid music for what it is. It's incredibly catchy.

Anonymous (July 26, 2005)

That'ss weird that someone has to bring race into a shitty comeback to a crappy joke. Why not say "That's weird that a 295 pound football player loves whiny emo music"? Oh, it must be because you're a fucking idiot.

Anonymous (July 26, 2005)

Thats weird that a 320 lb black guy loves whiny emo music.

piratasmuertas (July 26, 2005)

This is a pretty high score for Brian. Too bad this band isnt worth it.

Anonymous (July 26, 2005)

I think I have one of their MP3s. it's okay

sethcohen (July 26, 2005)

this is trvor pryce of the denver broncos label