reax music magazine :: music + culture » Reviews » Daniel Agust - Swallowed a Star

Musically, I am hypnotized and want to fall deeper into the rich sound, but once Daníel breaks the mood with his ill matched (self described as ‘soulful’) vocals, I am lost in processing. The entire motif of Swallowed a Star is quite alluring, but the incongruent vocals continually disinterest me. I can’t decide if I want to keep listening or turn it off.  I keep waiting for the Kirtan chants to break out, but get handclaps instead of rama bolos.

Straying from his GusGus days, Daníel, hosts the distinct Icelandic symphonic softness found in Sigur Rós & Björk. No doubt this is a highly constructed creative endeavor, but I keep channeling Sade in male form when Daníel breaks into ballads. Some listeners would really dig Daníel’s fresh sound, while others might let Swallowed a Star fade into the background. Either way, it’s worth a listen. – Stephanie Bolling