It’s Carnival, It’s Halloween
A gran soiree, a masquerade
Who is that? And who are you?
Where am I in this room?
New Wave chanteur Daniel Ouellette is set to release his latest LP, Otherworld (When the Wolfbane Blooms), on Meanie Jeannie Records come July 7, 2024. This multilingual collection of New Wave Art Pop songs promises to beguile listeners with its striking melodies, luscious deep vocals, and cryptic lyrics. Ouellette’s work, a delightful blend of the unexpected and intriguing.
Today, he unveils visualizers for two singles from the album: Devotion, which combines the upbeat vibes of Wilco and OMD with the quirky flair of King Luan, The Divine Comedy, Electric Six, and Bowie’s eclectic era, along with a hint of Matt Berry’s bombastic style. The song is a litany of devotional offerings, punctuated by an unexpected breakdown in Spanish. It’s an intriguing blend of reverence and whimsy, drawing listeners into its peculiar charm.
The more sinister-sounding Lustrous depicts a surreal experience of time slipping away, with years passing in sleep and miles in walking. It emphasizes the triviality of material needs, repeating that everything one needs can be found in costume, hat, and wig shops. Set against the backdrop of Carnival and Halloween, it explores themes of identity and disorientation in a masquerade-like setting.
The self-produced collection is a collaborative effort, featuring Elizabeth Lorrey on composition and instrumentation, with guest vocals by Anne Marie Costa and mastering by Peter Linnane. The songs draw inspiration from eclectic themes like Irving’s Rip Van Winkle, Wednesday Addams, and classic horror icons Karloff, Price, and Lugosi. The cover art, “Neuro” by Beth Caruso from her “Inner Life” series, adds a striking visual element. Look out for live performances this year, including solo shows, gigs with Christine Antony as Red Moon Green, and more diverse acts.
Join Daniel Ouellette’s Bandcamp Listening Party on Sunday July 7, 2024 at 7 pm EST here.
“Come listen and dance and point! Throw a party or a tv set!” he says. Sounds good to us!
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