American composer and electronic musician Dan Deacon released yet another compelling, upbeat album “Glass Riffer” late February. This is his first big release since his release of “America” in 2012. Though only eight songs, Deacon delivers a solid musical composition complete with his usual synthesizer sounds, arrpeggiations, vocoder effects, and double drum sets. 

Dan Deacon’s music has never been for those looking for a relaxed, mellow sound. No acoustic guitar or violins in these compositions. Instead, in my opinion, Deacon’s music has always been on the cutting edge and his songs seem to push the limits of what modern music can do. To many, Dan Deacon may be the sound of the future, but with so many albums of his already in existence, I would say that it is one of the many sounds of the present. 

Glass Riffer makes me want to take off full speed into the city and set out on all the musical endeavors that I might have been too timid to go for previously. Dan Deacon’s music is evidence that you don’t have to color within the lines to make something beautiful. 

“Feel the Lightning”, the albums first track and single, while not as fast as some of his other popular songs still embodies a very forward pushing feel with the fast 16th notes kept steady by bongo-like percussion. The slower pace does not take away from the popularity of the song which is evident by its first place spot on Deacons spotify page. 

To me, the album painted a picture beauty by complexity, with progressive arrpeggiators and synths as the paint and quick steady rhythms as the canvas. It’s nice to see an artist who isn’t afraid to step outside the box and do what he wants and I believe his other fans appreciate that as well. If you enjoyed this album you may also like sounds by Animal Collective, Panda Bear, and Atlas sound.