An affecting debut album drawn from genuine reflections and life changes, Catharsis Caught is an introspective standout from Dave Des. Sparked by a move to the quietness of Saltspring Island, the collection weaves gentle guitar work and melodic acoustic strums into life-affirming reflections.
The album’s title track consumes in its mixture of heartfelt introspection and moodily melodic prowess, fusing steady acoustic strums and “a boat to nowhere, nowhere fast” lyrical sentiments, resembling someone at a crossroads. Gentle electric guitar twangs move in cohesively throughout, especially resonant in the “looking back” self-reflective ascent, aesthetically showing shades of John Vanderslice. These contemplative emotions also stir on the ensuing “Poison Envy,” where pleadings of “somebody save me” send enjoyable chills amidst mellow guitar jangles, resembling the lusher material of R.E.M.
Another highlight, “Broken Things” explores the knowledge that can be acquired from the titular aspect, reassuring in how lessons and knowledge can arise from misfortunes. Soft, jazzy percussion and serene guitar work complement lyrical wisdom, about how some broken things “don’t always need fixing.” A tender guitar touch at midpoint melds with hazy keys for further absorbing atmospherics. “Head In The Sand” compels as well, serving up one of the album’s more rock-ready moments within the “a new fear everyday, with my head in the sand” chorus, bolstered by fervent electric guitars. Catharsis Caught is a wholly memorable full-length from Dave Des.
Check out the music video for “Poison Envy” below:
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“Poison Envy” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
