Hooded Fang debut turns out fang-tastic

Hooded Fang
HOODED FANG
(Daps Records)

By Abby Wiseman [Coordinating Editor]

Hooded Fang’s self-titled debut album balances uptempo beats with sweet lyrics and smooth harmonies, making it an easy listen.

Easy vocals by lead singer Daniel Lee is what really makes this alternative pop-rock album stand out. Imagine David Bowie singing around a Canadian campfire and you might get an idea of the richness of Lee’s voice.

The album’s second song “Straight Up the Dials” pairs happy beats and melancholic undertones with lyrics like “not looking for tenderness just need some sympathy.”

The next song “Laughing” is a cute duet with vocalist Lorna Wright. Wright’s feminine voice is speckled throughout the album, complimenting Lee’s deep masculine voice.

“Mutant Bear” is a dreamy song with lyrics like “ the forest feeds on old mistakes.” What makes the song great is the use of timing: pausing in the right moments to enhance the dream theme.

The album gets a little dream-heavy in the middle but wakes up with the fast-paced violins in Promise Land. The upbeat tempo masks the melancholy lyrics like “no matter how many times you cry, your heart is still dry.”

All in all the album released Oct. 19 by Dap Records is a solid collection of thoughtful lyrics and catchy instrumentals. A nice addition to anyone’s music repertoire