The Weblog Of Leonard’s Lair

Daniel Land & The Modern Painters follow the ever-popular blueprint of mid-1980’s period Cocteau Twins and early-1990’s Slowdive, where jangly guitars and dreamy production values dominate. This Manchester-based trio have released two EPs, the first of which is entitled ‘Voss’.

After a languid, largely instrumental opener, ‘The Magic In My Head’ features some sweet vocals from Mr. Land himself as all around him is bathed in a sumptuous, summery glow. As you might imagine, it’s pleasant but never heart-racing stuff. Yet on ‘Locust’ they capture the breathy etherealism of Slowdive with the guitars shimmering rather than jangling and the chorus reaching somewhere near heavenly proportions. It’s the band’s most convincing moment followed closely by the mournful, ghostly ‘Lostening’. It’s scarcely worth mentioning that you’d have top be a shoegazing fan to enjoy ‘Voss’ but as reverential as this music is to their influences, the performances by the band are delivered with an understated grace.

Web Sites:
Daniel Land & The Modern Painters MySpace
Buy The EP Here

Further Listening:
Ulrich Schnauss, Cocteau Twins, Slowdive