Dan Black is back with his first new solo material in eight years. On Do Not Revenge Black has returned – matured and more reflective than before – creating a truly personal album. Black says the reason the album has taken the best part of six years is that he recorded and produced the vast majority of it himself.
Black stated that he wants the album to be taken as a whole experience and this has led to something that doesn’t really take any risks in terms of sound. But feature vocals from Kelis and Imogen Heap add a needed depth to tracks Farewell and We Drift On, which are arguably the standouts alongside Plastic Heart.
Unfortunately in 2017, Do Not Revenge isn’t as exciting and fresh as his debut. Since 2009, we have seen a huge boom in alternative pop, but Black seems to be stuck in the age of Owl City and Passion Pit, feeling nostalgic at best. As part of the album Black had produced an ‘experience’ for every track, including music videos and a game. These lend a great visual element to the album which helps to clarify his intentions.
