Berlin bedroom-er Dan Bodan writes sobering “avant-ballads” on the back of a hedonistic existence of disc-whirling and night-living. Brought up in the prairies of western Canada, his music is a warming mixture of open honesty dipped in electronica; his latest track ‘DP’ is soon-to-be-released on the revered DFA Records (LCD Soundsystem, Hot Chip, Factory Floor…).

Opening lyric, “If you want to read to me your poetry I’ll sleep with you”, is the first of a whole host of invitations to Bodan’s heart (or loins) – despite his persistently gratuitous claims that he will “make you come and come…”, it is actually a wholly alluring affair, built on the strength of Bodan’s seductive, romantic voice. It’s got a generous dose of moody Berlin with its slabs of echo, alongside the minimal beat, dreamy Wurlitzer electric piano, and trickling synthesizers.

Helsinki’s Renaissance Man has done a fitting remix to go with it too – it throws the vocal track over a more vibrant backing track of funky wooden percussion and jumpy kicks, with modulated retro beeps and choral harmonies making the track wholly flavoursome. It eventually (somewhat self-indulgently) takes off into full-on beat-ridden rhythmic instrumental towards the end, but it works a treat, and is a great counterpoint to Bodan’s original: offering a different mood to the music without transforming the song beyond recognition.

Get the Renaissance Man remix here: http://soundcloud.com/mmw1/dan-bodan-dp-renaissance-man-1/s-aOXMr

James Balmont

This entry was tagged as dan bodan, DFA.