:: Daniel Martin Moore's debut album

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

Daniel Martin Moore is from Cold Spring, Kentucky. Sub Pop received his unsolicited demo in January 2007. He sent them a package just to see what would happen. His odds were quite slim, but occasionally Sub Pop take down that “no solicitation” sign on their door. Eventually, they opened his package and gave his four songs a listen and decided to contact him - that happened while Daniel was working at a friend’s bed and breakfast in Costa Rica.

The first thing you’ll notice about his debut, “Stray Age” is its simplicity. It’s a folk record, evoking certain feelings (as all good records should), but there’s a gentle approach to its sound and the way Moore’s voice phrases his words. The record was recorded in Los Angeles in three different spurts, the first two sessions taking place in October and December of 2007, then the third in February of 2008. He even got some people you’ve heard of to help him out. Joe Chiccarelli (The Shins, U2, The White Stripes) took on co-production, recording and mixing duties. Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, Tori Amos) played upright bass. Jesca Hoop lent her voice to “The Old Measure” and “Restoration Sketches.” And Petra Haden (Bill Frisell, Beck) adds violin to “It’s You”, “The Hour Of Sleep” and “The Old Measure.”

Those reference points are really just that, though. Moore is most captivating as a singer, one who doesn’t seem concerned with usual folkie fodder. If you ask him what his music’s about he just politely shrugs his shoulders in a way that says, “that’s up to you to figure out.” But the insights in “Stray Age” are not secrets and would never hope to be. But the one thing with Moore, is that he’s looking forward. He wants to go places; he wants you to come with him, and we’re finding him right in that moment.

Head to Daniel‘s MySpace to hear two tracks from Stray Age - 'That'll Be The Plan’ and ‘Every Colour And Kind’

Stray Age is released in Australia on October 11, 2008.