David Karsten Daniels: Sharp Teeth

Label: Fat Cat

Though the artwork for Sharp Teeth is off-putting, David Karsten Daniels’s music is quite the opposite: warm, tender and inviting. Sharp Teeth is the product of two years of work in an old barnhouse and it is truly an impressive piece. The album blossoms with minimalist folk, whirring strings, choral arrangements, and dreamy pop. Daniels songwriting knows when to remain stark and subtle and reminds you of other great dark Americana artists like Jason Molina and Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Yet Daniels holds his own with inventive accompaniment colored by trumpets, cello, organ, and synthesizers which make the record as bleak as it is vivid. (Steven)