Dain Norman & The Chrysalis Effect’s “Lantern”: A Bright Spot in Today’s Music
by Judy Grover
Remember back in the ’80’s and ’90’s, you’d buy an album just to listen to the 1 or 2 good songs and the rest were schlock filler? (Of course, these days you can skip all that and just download songs a la carte…) Well, “Lantern,” the latest release by Dain Norman & The Chrysalis Effect, is an album that’s worth buying and listening to every song. It’s is a shining example of “Revivalist Rock-n-roll” a style that hearkens back to the blues-rock of the 50’s-70’s yet remains timeless. This band manages to stay true to the style while making it their own.
“Lantern” continues in the same vein as Chrysalis Effect’s first EP, “Garage Blues”, with the same ragged vocals and raw “garage band” sound that makes the listener feel like they’re listening live in a crowded pub. It’s an intimate and personable collection with lots of heart. The album is self-produced by Dain Norman, who plays most of the instruments as well. An impressive feat for a young, independent musician with great promise! TJ Cope provides bass on most of the songs, along with Mandolin, Flute & Backing Vocals; Andy Cope on drums and featuring Meg Vermillion- Saxophone, Tracks 1, 4, & 12 and Backing Vocals, Track 12.
The biggest leap in artistic growth in this second release is in the lyrics. The words reflect tension and longing, as well as self-reflection. “When Will the World Be One?” expresses longing for peace in a world full of hate. “Holding on Through The Night” expressing one trying to do what’s right with one’s life, and “Shaken”: “I’m on my knees, beggin’ lord please, give me a light, something to hold onto tight, but through it all, there’s always a shining light, as long, as you stay true to you”
Dain has found his light. The “Lantern” in words of the title song, is Norman’s fiancee Aili, (the album is dedicated to Aili and their son, Jude). You can hear the love he has for her shining through in several of the songs, including the title track, “Apple of my Eye,” and “Love of Mine” which as the last song acts as a satisfying bookend. These are very sweet songs that warm the heart.
“Note to Self”, with harmonica solo that echoes Bob Dylan, is a self-reflective ballad about accepting change that is also offers comfort to others. “Heal the Earth (And All Its People)” stands out with a more unique style including a brief but enchanting flute solo and piano coda.
This is an album that begs to be listened to on vinyl (and indeed, you
may want to purchase the vinyl version just for the gorgeous album cover
artwork by Tacoma artist Euphoria Marie Sorensen)
and on a good pair of headphones – especially so you can hear the lyrics more clearly as the rather muddy mix tends to drown them out if you’re just listening on speakers, which is a shame since the lyrics are well thought out, and carry deep messages worth hearing. The music and lyrics are posted on Bandcamp at: https://dainnormanmusic.bandcamp.com/album/lantern It is also available on Spotify, Pandora and Amazon Music
