CD Review – Diamond Rings, Free Dimensional, Astralwerks, 2013

Library Classification: Electronic / Pop
File Under: D

Artist: Diamond Rings
Title: Free Dimensional
Label: Astralwerks

Date(s) Recorded: 2012
Date Released: 2012
Date Received: 2013

Clean: All
Indecent: None

RIYL: Cold Cave, Night Moves, Cut Copy
In a nutshell: Second LP by Toronto musician John O’Regan as Diamond Rings
Play: 3-Runaway Love, 5-I’m Just Me, 7-(I Know) What I’m Made Of, 4-Put Me On, 10-Day & Night

Comments: Basic synthpop with some really strong moments. SThere’s some navel-gazing, as happens with one-man bands (looking at you Prince, Trent Reznor/early NIN, etc.) Definitely a step up in terms of scope and production value from his debut LP, Special Affections (Secret City Records, 2010). I’ll admit I’m pretty obsessed with 3-Runaway Love, which has pretty much everything that I want in a synthpop song.

-DJWB

Author: djwikiben

DJ based in Berkeley, CA. Originally from Omaha, NE. Lived in Madison, WI for a while. Musical omnivore interested in electronic, garage, britpop, indie rock, hip-hop, funk and soul, among other things. View all posts by djwikiben