Affairs Of The Heart (label)
03 September 2007 (released)
23 September 2007
David Dondero's follow up to 2005's 'South Of The South' is a vague reminder of Conor Oberst's 21st century style of country music, which is no coincidence as Dondero is cited as influencing Oberst's Bright Eyes. More specifically that faltering emotional serenade that makes you feel you're about to witness the singer break down, but Oberst has developed and perfected this delivery so much that when its heard elsewhere its quite strange.
Dondero's music is heartfelt and calm with a jazzy sprit about it, referencing Charlie Parker himself at one point in the stand out track 'Rothko Chapel'. Track 'When The Heart Breaks Deep' especially has a nice riff, but is let down by lyrics more apt to come from an adolescent. Dondero paints an American landscape with "churches of entropy", and would probably fit in well next to Norah Jones on a tour.
The Bright Eyes connection is distracting. Dondero's lyrics pale in comparison to Oberst's, and ultimately the album struggles to rise above this inevitable comparison. More diversity and complexity would have set it apart, but as it is, just like the title, it’s too simple.
