Daisy House - Western Man (Bandcamp)

Daisy House is a talented Long Beach folk rock duo consisting of Doug Hammond and his daughter Tatiana. This is their third self-released album, and it is a bit of a departure from their previous efforts. There is a strong attempt to differentiate and grow, instead of relying on the British-inflected folk rock that inhabits their early work. That style is here of course (“Lilac Man”, “The Defender”), along with the gorgeous harmonies this pair weave so effortlessly. Coupled with Doug’s almost baroque guitar playing in spots, this is a sonic feast for the ears. I especially am drawn to “The Defender”, both for the way it hearkens back to classic Fairport Convention and also how magical Doug and Tatiana sound on this.

“The Boulevard” reminds me of Lee Hazelwood/Nancy Sinatra and Dylan creeps in with the harmonica. “Yellow Moon Road” is windswept Western psych, with ominous overtones and lysergic organ floating in and out of the mix. “She Comes Runnin’ Back” is solid power pop with chiming 12-string and a sprightly melody.

“Say Goodbye” is my favorite song of this song cycle, wrapping its arms around Joni Mitchell and Mama Cass even while it spins on its own axis. Tatiana’s lovely alto is especially striking here, and is the song I have on repeat.

“Willow” meshes Carnaby Street and Abbey Road with West Coast pop, all to great effect. I like the Beatles feel to the rollicking music as well as the sing-song lyrics. “Like A Superman” retains this style, which is a big plus.

“Golden Heart” is a sweet slice of baroque pop that veers slightly into psych with its vocal effects and some unexpected whistling. “Twilight in the Palace of Reason” definitely evokes Dylan, if you can imagine what Bob Dylan would sound like if he could sing. Tatiana’s coming of age song, “21”, is nice to hear again in a reworked version, and the closing song and title track “Western Man” is lush, orchestral pop that recalls a number of 60s artists, but none I can name expressly. It is like all these marvelous old artists are playing hide and seek with the listener, ducking out for a bit with snatches of melody before darting away. This speaks of total immersion in the classics while also being able to stand on its own. I applaud the band’s decision to mix in classic 60s pop with psychedelic and folk rock elements. All in all, another very fine record from a talented pair of musicians.

Check out the band’s music on their Bandcamp and Facebook pages.