Some bands make music, and then some bands craft worlds. Denim Dan is undoubtedly the latter. With a legacy spanning over 25 years, this folk-rock collective has continuously evolved while remaining rooted in its signature storytelling prowess. Their offering, “Denim Dan’s Circe,” is a masterclass in sonic mythmaking—an album that doesn’t just reference ancient legends but breathes new life into them. This album reaffirms why Denim Dan remains one of the most intriguing bands in the modern folk-rock scene. Their ability to blend literary themes with emotionally resonant performances has always set them apart, and “Denim Dan’s Circe” takes that artistry to new heights. With a lineup of seasoned musicians—Michael Halitzer (vocals, guitar), Lorenzo Crescibene (drums, backing vocals), Dave Gellis (guitar), Gordon Kent (keyboards), Mike Nirack and Joe Nuecome (bass), and Ron Petrecelli (flute)—they deliver an immersive and deeply evocative listening experience.
Opening with a melancholic yet hopeful indie-folk track, “Sometime (The River Will Overflow),” sets the thematic stage for the album. Halitzer’s voice is rich with wisdom, carrying the weight of time itself. The gentle strumming gives way to a lush instrumental swell, with Petrecelli’s flute adding an ethereal touch, almost like a river winding through a dream. Lyrically, it hints at fate’s inevitability—a prelude to the album’s themes of longing and transformation.
With a slight change in pace, “We’ll Go On”brims with resilience. Crescibene’s drumming drives the momentum forward, while layered harmonies in the chorus create a feeling of unity and perseverance. The electric guitar work by Gellis injects a rock edge, yet the song retains its folk heart, making it an anthem for pushing through hardship and hitting right to the core.
With “A Minute to Midnight,” there’s a haunting urgency here, underscored by the minor-key piano and atmospheric synth work from Kent. The song’s production is impeccable—each element is placed precisely to enhance its brooding intensity. Halitzer’s vocal delivery is gripping, almost whispered, before rising into desperate pleas as the clock metaphorically ticks down.
Arguably one of the album’s standouts, “Take My Soul” thrives on its instrumental layering. It is a hypnotic grounding piece with intricate guitar lines that weave around it. Lyrically, it feels like a plea for release, a surrender to fate. The build-up to the chorus is nothing short of cinematic, and the payoff is immense, with Halitzer’s voice reaching an emotional breaking point.
Digging into the fifth track, “Doorway’s,” is an 80s-inspired folk-rock track that leans into Denim Dan’s folk roots, with a rolling melody and percussive elements that evoke footsteps through an ancient corridor. There’s an introspective quality to the lyrics, and the production mirrors that—Kent’s subtle organ swells create a sense of nostalgia, as if the listener is looking back on memories long past.
The heart of the album, “Circe’s Song (Save Me),” while never overtly referencing the myth, captures the essence of Circe’s solitude and yearning. Petrecelli’s flute work is mesmerizing, floating like a siren’s call over the track’s sparse opening. The instrumentation gradually builds into a powerful crescendo, with guitars crying out alongside Halitzer’s impassioned vocals. “Reunite me with my kin… save me; I’ve been gone too long” is one of the album’s most haunting lines, echoing the universal human desire for belonging.
A stark contrast to the previous track, “I.C.U. (Pass Me By)” embraces a more folk-ballad tone, with Nirack and Nuecome’s basslines leading the way. The rhythm section truly shines here, grounding the song’s swagger. Halitzer’s delivery is more restrained, almost resigned, reinforcing the song’s theme of feeling unseen and ignored.
A tender ballad, “Sweet Saroya,” showcases Denim Dan’s ability to craft delicate, heartfelt melodies. The delicate drumming and piano interplay are breathtaking, while Gellis’ restrained lead guitar adds just the right amount of color. The lyrics feel deeply personal, and Halitzer delivers them with a warmth that makes it impossible not to be moved.
Going on, the ninth song, “Excuse Me For Crying,” is pure catharsis. It builds from a quiet, confessional opening into a soaring, full-band moment of emotional release. Crescibene’s drumming is dynamic, shifting effortlessly between subtle brushes and thunderous fills. The way Halitzer’s voice cracks on certain lines feels raw and unfiltered—a testament to his ability to fully inhabit his songs.
A hopeful turn in the journey, “Embrace the Day” feels like a sunrise after a long night. The instrumentation is bright and expansive, with shimmering keys and vibrant strumming patterns. The message is simple yet profound: seize the moment, move forward, and embrace life’s ever-changing tides.
Bringing the album to an end is “Running Down the Timeline,” which I will describe as the perfect closer. There’s a sense of finality in its soaring melodies and grand instrumental swells. The production is at its most cinematic here—each instrument playing its role in bringing the album to a satisfying resolution. As Halitzer sings the final lines, there’s a bittersweet acceptance in his voice, like a storyteller closing the book on an epic tale.
Overall, “Denim Dan’s Circe” is a testament to their ability to evolve without losing sight of their core identity. The production is lush but never overbearing, allowing each song’s narrative to shine. The performances are heartfelt and precise, showcasing the band’s chemistry and individual talents. More than a mere album, Denim Dan’s Circe is a journey through time, myth, and human emotion. For longtime fans, it’s a reminder of why Denim Dan has endured for over two decades. For newcomers, it’s the perfect introduction to a band that understands the art of storytelling like few others. After my initial encounter with them, Denim Dan is a band I’ve come to love for their ability to make every album feel like a living, breathing world. “Denim Dan’s Circe” is no exception. It’s an album that invites you to listen, reflect, and, most importantly, feel.
Listen to the “Denim Dan’s Circe” album on Spotify
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