Denali reportedly formed after the decision of singer Maura Davis notto pursue an education in opera. She had some songs she'd been workingon, it seems, and she came to her brother, bass player Keeley Davis, tohelp her flesh them out. And flesh them out he did; and with drummerJohnathan Fuller and guitar player Cam Dinunzio, the foursome becameDenali, a name derived from the Athapascan word for Mt. McKinley, notthe GMC truck. The band has so enamored audiences and musicians alike,and for their debut they were joined by Alan Weatherhead on theengineering side, and Mark Linkous on producing two tracks (both fromSparklehorse). The results are worthy of praise for a debut record.Opera's loss is rock's gain, as Maura Davis' vocals are empassioned,soaring, like an indie rock Bjork, while she pains away on Rhodes pianoor guitar. The band certainly knows how to use samples well, as theeeriest qualities on the album are created around them ('Relief' and'Function'). It's where the band rocks out that the sound truly comestogether. On 'Gunner,' Maura's voice takes on a near Jeff Buckleyquality, as the band produces soaring, glorious music below her. It isthe apex of the release, and it is her voice that drives these songs,but the band is not to be discounted. The elder Davis adds capablebacking vocals on most tracks, too, and his bass combined with Fuller'sdrums make for a rousing, driving rhythm section. There isn't a badtrack here, and not one below the three-and-a-half minute mark. Davis'lyrics prove just as haunting as her voice: on 'Function' she wails'Something strange is coming'; and on 'Gunner' she's going to 'get youbefore you get me.' It's horrbily affecting music, and with Denali on awest coast tour in June, I look forward to seeing how it translateslive. I'll have to settle for the CD until then, and I suggest you do,too. -
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