dane petersen. review by alan haber. buhdge

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More Than a Day's Work Dane Petersen (2004) Texas-based Dane Petersen is a busy man. He plays keyboards, rhythm guitar and sings in the Random Axis Band, a seven-vocalist ensemble that covers everything from today's top 40 to classics going as far back as the sixties (even some jazz and country). He runs a business that converts handwritten music to professional manuscripts. And last September, he released this fine six-song EP, a sextet of pop songs more than worthy of a place in your library. The very clever "I Fall Down," about picking yourself up and dusting yourself off for another try, contains a very effective Beach Boys nods (dig that banjo), and practically begs to reside in your subconsciousness. "Under the Eye" mixes rock and pop stylings around a catchy chorus and an especially good middle eight. "Time When You're Sleeping" might qualify as a power ballad, such is the enthusiastic vocal Peterson turns in; the background harmonies are nicely arranged, and the lead guitar works well with piano accents in the instrumental break against a nice chord progression. A rare XTC cover comes into play with Petersen's reverential take on "Ballet for a Rainy Day," previously featured on the XTC tribute CD, King For a Day. Petersen fashions a more pop-rock framework for the tune than was employed on the original Skylarking version. Of all of the songs here, the leadoff track, "Surfacing," is the best, a classic if ever there was one. A great, catchy melody, background vocals and a decidedly XTC-esque song structure drive this one home; the surprising, wonderful a cappella vocal tag is most welcome. It's really a great song--a pick-to-click, if you will. According to his web site, Petersen is currently in the studio recording a proper, full-length record. I, for one, look forward to see what he's cooked up next. Alan Haber May 14, 2005
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More Than a Day's Work
Dane Petersen
(2004)

dane petersen's more than a day's work Texas-based Dane Petersen is a busy man. He plays keyboards, rhythm guitar and sings in the Random Axis Band, a seven-vocalist ensemble that covers everything from today's top 40 to classics going as far back as the sixties (even some jazz and country). He runs a business that converts handwritten music to professional manuscripts. And last September, he released this fine six-song EP, a sextet of pop songs more than worthy of a place in your library.

The very clever "I Fall Down," about picking yourself up and dusting yourself off for another try, contains a very effective Beach Boys nods (dig that banjo), and practically begs to reside in your subconsciousness. "Under the Eye" mixes rock and pop stylings around a catchy chorus and an especially good middle eight. "Time When You're Sleeping" might qualify as a power ballad, such is the enthusiastic vocal Peterson turns in; the background harmonies are nicely arranged, and the lead guitar works well with piano accents in the instrumental break against a nice chord progression. A rare XTC cover comes into play with Petersen's reverential take on "Ballet for a Rainy Day," previously featured on the XTC tribute CD, King For a Day. Petersen fashions a more pop-rock framework for the tune than was employed on the original Skylarking version.

Of all of the songs here, the leadoff track, "Surfacing," is the best, a classic if ever there was one. A great, catchy melody, background vocals and a decidedly XTC-esque song structure drive this one home; the surprising, wonderful a cappella vocal tag is most welcome. It's really a great song--a pick-to-click, if you will.

According to his web site, Petersen is currently in the studio recording a proper, full-length record. I, for one, look forward to see what he's cooked up next.

Alan Haber
May 14, 2005