First impression review: Daniella Mason’s self titled record

By Ryan G

Alright, I have to say something. I’m a little worried that the quirky nature of this pop record is going to be overshadowed by St Vincent tomorrow. So I decided to review this album. Actually, I was looking for a LEGAL stream of St Vincent’s record (on Pitchfork, Stereogum, NPR, et al) to knock out an early review but apparently such a thing doesn’t exist – but Daniella Mason’s team has her new record streaming early! So kudos to you guys for thinking ahead.

It was only when I started listening that I thought to myself “Gosh, this is just artsy enough that it could be overshadowed by Annie Clark herself. I hope that doesn’t happen.” So, I decided to give you my first(ish) impressions of songs to try to convince you to give Mason a chance. Here we go:

“Butterflies”: I’m enjoying the airy, whimsical feel of this song. The synths feel truly retro and not wannabe retro. The chorus goes higher than I’ve heard Mason sing thus far, which admittedly isn’t a ton (one live performance and one EP). The song is springlike and a little out of place for Fall (as I sit here sipping my pumpkin chai) but I’m alright with that.

“Don’t Worry”: I use the word “reassuring” a lot with songs I react to on this blog. I’m going to use it again here. Deal with it.

“Cruel Summer”: Okay, so I’ve heard this one before. Thank you Spotify! For a song with “cruel” in the title it sure is happy sounding. The term “authenticity” is one I’ve see repeatedly with Mason and I’m feeling that especially strongly with this song.

“Nightshades”: Do you remember a song called “Turn Out The Light” by Nelly Furtado? It isn’t really that similar to this song at all, but for some reason listening to this gives me a really similar feeling to what I felt as a preteen listening to that song on the radio.

“Tell Me It’s Over”: I get self conscious sometimes about moving around to music in public. I’m sitting in a coffee shop right now, earbuds in. When the music kicked in my head bobbing was instantaneous and just about involuntary – didn’t realize I was doing it until I was fully committed!

“Meant to Be”: Listening to this, I feel almost like I’m intruding on someone’s private moment. Mason is singing this to someone very important to her, it seems.

“Any Room”: This song doesn’t produce as visceral an initial reaction in me as the others, but the chorus is still really catchy. The progression of the bridge is also pretty interesting.

“Cover the Earth”: Okay, I know I’ve heard this song before too! I think it was at SXSW. That chorus is triumphant, declarative, and dare I say spiritual. Mason knew what she was doing making this the last track – that refrain is going to be in my head the next few days probably. And people will be picking apart what the spirit she refers to could mean. I think I have a pretty good idea, though.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. I talk about alt-pop a lot on this blog. You’re right. Now go listen to this and tell me whether you agree with my take that this is unique or if I’m just caught up in the first-listen moment.

-Ryan Getz