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“Anti-social (EP)” Album Review by Alex Rodman  "EP Album Cover" "Anti-social (EP)" (Epic Phail in short) is an extended play (EP) by Daniel, set to be released on December 7, 2010 worldwide. The album's six songs weren’t intended to be part of Daniel's debut album Anti-social but continued the “anti-social” concept.
First of all, this EP, patches up the little sinking hole that the “Anti-social” album had. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the album was a great listen, but it was slowly sinking because It felt like something in its structure was missing. More as if it was rushed and not checked for errors once completed. So releasing this EP was the smartest idea Daniel could make.
Unlike the 9 original songs, the album consists more of a harder rock sound rather than the dominating psychedelic pop sound that the album’s original 9 songs showcased. The idea of the anti-social also darkens with songs such as, “If Somebody Loved Me” and “The Witch’s Cauldron”.
Fans who loved “Anti-social” will love this addition and will get their Christmas wish list fulfilled. While this EP will most likely not push over the 750,000 copies the original had already sold, it will sure raise some new eyebrows.
Another thing that stood out to me was that “Britney” (Who is symbolically described as a doctor), is actually first mentioned/introduced on “Baby Virus”, proved by the following lyrics: “The Doctor’s telling a lie to me, My white cells working overtime. Britney’s singing a song to me, her voice is altered-intertwined. With those long sharp, beats beating”.
I’m unsure whether the purpose of this “Britney“ person, might be an indirect diss to someone named “Britney“, or that this person might be a real character in Daniel’s life, but it is a good idea to carry her over into the next song in the album. So, you might actually attach yourself to this Britney character a bit and understand her view of things.
Britney’s X-Ray on the other side is bit more pop friendly in the sense of composition. The psychedelic pop song exposes the truth behind a young woman named Britney, who happens to be a model. As described, she has skin of gold, nails of diamond and eyes like Jupiter (Which is the largest planet on earth, not sure if it’s meant in a humorous kind of way). According to the lyrics, She has fought for a perfect body/image, with plastic surgery being the primary example but still mismanages to be a happy person. Deep down inside she is hurting and doesn’t show it. This song basically demonstrate that people may seem like they’re happy based on their image, but indeed they are not. This supports the idea that everyone is never happy or fulfilled in this world and that Britney’s brainwashed by society.
(Random bit: Back in September of 2010, two music videos were shot, one for “Baby Virus” and one for “Britney’s X-ray”. While pictures were leaked online, it is unknown whether both of the videos will face a release anytime soon.)
Next up is “Rare things” which is quite the turnaround of the album. In most cases that can be a good thing (Ps. “Eargasm“), but it didn’t quite work for Daniel this time. It’s like being surprised with a gift, and that gift being something you didn’t need. It looks good, it works fine, but you don’t need it. It’s pretty pointless and the haunting 4 minute piano solo doesn’t quite fit the concept of the album. This song is definitely that moment of “awkward silence“.
However, things pick up pretty quickly with the next track. “Rape The Radio”.
Err….Not the usual name, eh! The song is so jam packed with Synthpunk, Noise Rock sounds that it will do just that….. Rape you! “Rape” has such a furious hard hitting composition (backed up with shameless lyrics and vocal grunts), that thoughts of someone head banging at a fast uncontrollable speed might pop up in your head. The infectiousness factor of you wanting to bop your head “back and forth“, puts Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair” to shame.
What is so fortunate about this track, is that while it is pretty obvious that Daniel is mimicking artists who enjoy mainstream success, it comes off more as statement rather than a joke. Which didn’t seem like quite the possibility, judging the track’s title. It is definitely the highlight of the album along with “Baby Virus” and “Britney’s X-ray” and if not, my favorite track from Daniel…..period.
And just when things were getting bright and heavy, here comes more weightlessness with the Mexican styled “If Somebody Loved Me”.
However there is something quiet distinctive about this song. Daniel manages to somehow put away the magical key board and drum sticks, to introduce his listeners to some of his more neglected instruments like the “harmonica”, and the “Tejano/Folk” friendly flute. I wouldn’t necessarily call it folk rock, but it has that influence and instrumentation. Daniel’s guitar playing is also well constructed.
The song is basically a desperate yet hopeless cry for love. Simply wishing if somebody loved him. Daniel’s voice doesn’t overshadow the instrumentation which works well for the song. However, just get ready to cut your veins.
Finally, the last song on the album “The Witch’s Cauldron” desperately makes its way into the mix. The song's composition is quite complex. Daniel sings out non rhyming lyrics and the unsteady electric piano gives the song a "thicker" structure. It’s probably one of the most interesting things I’ve already heard....... in a while. The dark and most likely to be an evil scientist’s anthem song, has a take on fictional concept.
The song serves as a blueprint into witchcraft, where Daniel claims he has abducted each one of The Beatles (Even the dead ones), and is conjuring up a poisonous plan to take over the world. As the song, progresses through it challenging composition, Daniel claims that his plan to take over the world is working. Repeatedly yelling it out. Instruments are then heard being broken. An evil laugh is the followed by the pitched sonic sound.
At this point, it is pretty obvious that Daniel isn’t looking forward to mainstream success, that’s no longer an understatement. It seems that Daniel is more interested on giving his listener some challenging music as he ventures off to other experimental sounds. Not only was it an amazing addition to the album, but this particular EP shows attitude and raciness that the standard Anti-social album was missing (with the exception of the kick ass “Roarr!”) I will definitely say that Daniel is on his worst behavior, and for all the good reasons. A solid 4/5 Stars
-Alex Rodman (Rolling Stone Magazine Critic) Recommended Tracks for New Listeners: Britney’s X-Ray, Rape The Radio, If Somebody Loved Me
Recommended Tracks for Fans: The Witch’s Cauldron
Disappointing Tracks: Rare Things Edited by user 12 May 2011 11:08:53(UTC)
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