Brisbanite Rhapsody: Thomas Calder’s “Resumé of My Character” Is A 2022 LP Of The Year Nominee

Brisbane Australia artist Thomas Calder (bio), who releases his solo work under the name Daggy Man, has given the world a journey into a very personal, vulnerable mindscape with his staggering new LP and full album film “The Resumé of My Character.”

From the first frantic falsettos of “I Get Up Everytime” through until the slow synth beats and fuzzy overlays of “Grieving Of A Lie” some 37+ minutes later the listener is invited to become absorbed into the membrane of a single human consciousness. To feel the daily grind, the small joys, the inner battles, perhaps a final moment of clarity and peace.

“HA HA” is the track first pulled from “Character” as a single. It certainly is a standout. It comes well into the LP at track #11 (of 13.) It arrives at a point where the arc of feeling is headed towards some sense of peace. The chorus is hypnotic and addictive. The tune features more of Daggy Man’s vulnerable human wail.

The sparse instrumentation of much of Character compliments the “vulnerable human wail” infused in Calder’s voice. Sometimes the lyrics convey the message. Sometimes a sigh, moan, or a cry are all that will work.

What does the human do when words have not yet been invented to describe a feeling, a moment? Invent new words. Or, if the overwhelming emotion of the now directs — communicate in wails. The medium becomes the message.

“Character” is at first so personal, vulnerable and singular that some might not feel welcome in its embrace. Some might find it a world so foreign that they dare not visit.

Others will know the language instantly. They will nod with understanding. Sense the human journey. The wails will speak to them. They will hold their breath near the end and feel the same sense of relief and freedom Calder conveys when he rushes through the studio doors out into the wide open.

Reborn.

LINK: https://daggyman.bandcamp.com/album/the-resume-of-my-character

UNCLE EARS is a music blog written by David Falk. davidrfalk@gmail.com David was born in 1962 and gravitates towards melodies, adventure, unsigned artists, fresh discoveries. He trusts his ear to know what it likes and loves sharing what he finds. He lives near Seattle, WA, USA.

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