Review- “Diaper Island”- Chad VanGaalen

reviewed by Michael

The news of this album’s release likely had fans salivating continent-wide, and with good reason. It doesn’t matter what indie-god Chad VanGaalen does- he seems to bring a touch of perfection to everything.

When I read via the press release that this album was going to be mainly focused on guitar, I was admittedly a little worried. Mainly my concern was that a guitar-driven album wouldn’t be the most original of VanGaalen’s work. Thankfully I was wrong. This album is undeniably a Chad VanGaalen piece, in a bit of a different form, of course. But then, no VanGaalen album is exactly like the last, is it?

This time around, VanGaalen strips down his music a little. There are almost no electronic beeps and pulses that one would have heard on his previous albums Skelliconnection or Soft Airplane or on his exploratory album Snow Blindness is Crystal Antz as Black Mold. This emphasis on guitar is a refreshing change, and it really showcases VanGaalen’s brilliant vocals and lyrics.

Many of the songs on Diaper Island still retain the dream-like quality that all of VanGaalen’s songs have. The song “Peace on the Rise” is a great example of this. When you hear the first minute or so you’ll know it as unmistakably a Chad VanGaalen song. You’ll hear it particularly in the chorus lines of “Slip into the same old dream every night.” The song also has strange guitar distortion towards the middle that really keeps the listener guessing.

“Burning Photographs” contrasts the previous two songs with a crazy and manic side that one might see in older songs like “Flower Gardens.” The next song “Heavy Stones” is refreshingly laid-back and almost tropical, particularly in the way VanGaalen chooses to sing the lyrics.

“Sara” is the album’s first single and is the most beautiful by far. It is an unabashed tribute to his girlfriend and how she can always be his muse. The chorus, “Sara/Wake me up when you’re home” is uncharacteristically emotional and shows a whole new side to Chad VanGaalen.

“Wandering Spirits” is probably the most complex song on the album with unpredictable drum rolls and a slower pace. Finally, the album ends with “Shave My Pussy.” Despite the vulgar title it’s actually very gentle and beautiful.

Long story short, Chad VanGaalen is continuing to show that he is one of Canada’s most talented musicians. His creativity is all but unmatched. So do yourself a favour and take a trip through Diaper Island.

You can stream Diaper Island over at Paste Magazine and buy it when it comes out on May 17th via Flemish Eye.

Top Tracks: “Sara”; “Freedom for a Policeman”; “Wandering Spirits”

Rating: Hunting Call (Excellent) +*swoop*