danielle ate the sandwich: things people do (2009)

Danielle Ate The Sandwich
Things People Do ••••
Self-released

It’s an obvious thing to question but, as Danielle herself freely admits to having eaten the sandwich, what kind of sandwich was it? Her second album, Things People Do, is recommended for the discerning cheddar lover, as opposed to anything a tad more pretentious on offer. Sometimes there is just no substitute for what works already, a stable foundation not necessarily to improve upon but certainly to build upon. Here the analogy relates to Danielle Anderson’s strong songwriting skills and clear musical potential. While not offering much in the way of dazzling originality, the album’s quality remains consistent, the cheeky sound of a ukelele often providing a carefree ambience in contrast to what would otherwise be a wistful and sobering lamentation to life’s sad experiences.

However, it is Anderson’s effortless vocal that is most stunning during each miniature story, cramming in more adjectives than you would perhaps have thought was humanly possible in honour of the antifolk heroes she no doubt appreciates. Indeed, her DIY approach to the music industry emulates the best of them via web broadcasts from her bedroom in Colorado. It’s an undeniably simple formula, but utterly charming. From the adorable and harmonious love song ‘Bribe’ to the reflective ‘On The Planet Earth’, the lyrics are quirky and endearing. For example, feeling “hot as a hash brown” in an ode to unadulterated lust has got to be the sexy understatement of the decade (’Goodbye Frankie’), complementing the strong melodies of standout tracks such as the cheerful ‘Gone’, complete with whistle-a-long chorus.

In fact, one could go so far as to say that this album is actually quite cute, although that would seem dismissive of the overall talent showcased here. Not bad for someone who claims that her music sounds like the popular girl’s significantly less attractive best friend. Thank god. Yes, Danielle Ate The Sandwich is a modest project, but that’s what makes it beautiful and definitely worthy of your attention.

Anna Claxton
Available from www.myspace.com/danielleatethesandwich

 

‘On The Planet Earth’

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsO9BS4ojCc]

Written by: Wears The Trousers magazine

Tags: anna claxton, danielle ate the sandwich

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at 12:31 pm and is filed under albums & EPs, reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.