Eight years have passed since Ken Stringfellow‘s last full solo album, Soft Commands. In that time, he’s released an EP, put out a new Posies record, formed the Disciplines and released two albums, produced numerous other artists, toured the world, played some tennis, and who knows what else. After so many busy years, Stringfellow finally has another solo album set for release on October 9.
It was more than worth the wait. Danzig in the Moonlight is a stunning 14-song opus from a restless artist pushing the boundaries of traditionally defined musical genres.
For more than 55 minutes, Stringfellow bounces between styles cobbling together elements from glam, Americana, classic soul and R&B, pop, and art rock. Pieces are layered on top of each other so songs that start in one direction often end up somewhere unexpected. Opener Jesus Was An Only Child begins as a quiet, introspective lullaby before exploding into a menacing glam groover. Superwise starts with a retro sci-fi beat but ends as harmony drenched, melancholy pop.
The sequencing of the album seems designed to keep you on your toes. But that unexpectedness is part of what makes Danzig so exciting. Drop Your Pride, a bombastic surge of horns and show tunes melodrama, is followed by the mellow soul, Lover’s Hymn-like (from 2001′s Touched) Pray.
The song that had my jaw hanging open the farthest was Shittalkers. The song surges on waves of emotion, and Stringfellow’s voice is so powerful and emphatic — just try not to hit repeat after your first listen to that one.
Danzig ends with the calming, pop beauty of You’re A Sign, and it’s closing notes are a sign that you’ve experienced one of the most fulfilling albums of the year. Few albums take you on such a satisfying journey. I didn’t know if Stringfellow could top Touched — one of my all-time favorite albums — but in terms of scope, he may have. Danzig in the Moonlight is majestic.