With the long, hot Australian summer just stretching out before us, the release of surfer Donavon Frankenreiter’s fourth album
With the long, hot Australian summer just stretching out before us, the release of surfer Donavon Frankenreiter’s fourth album, Glow, is perfectly timed. With the influence of his ocean-dwelling lifestyle present in his organic and wholesome acoustic folk, the tracks from Glow are set to be a staple of a languid summer soundtrack.
Recorded over three days, Glow is released on Frankenreiter’s own label. The title-track and single Glow is sensitive and romantic, but its upbeat tempo, Hawaiian influenced guitar and uplifting lyrics keep it bright and interesting. The following Keeping Me Away From You isn’t quite saved from being overly soppy and expressive, but considering it was written in 30 minutes and Donavon’s voice is wonderfully smoky and wistful, it might just be excused.
Shadows is more sonically interesting with flourishes of electric guitars interjecting the chilled out track. The addition of electronic echo and delay is a first for Frankenreiter, but is used to good effect here on Shadows. Another highlight of the album is The Ones In Your Dreams, about the haunted house Frankenreiter lived in as a child. Primarily acoustic, bursts of electric guitar again add layers of depth to the reflections on childish fears and the illusion of safety.
With a title like Dance Like Nobody’s Watching, track number eight would seem to be about living life to the fullest. In fact, it’s a deep and moving love song that is kept light with warbling guitar and dynamic percussion.
As a whole, the album’s strength is continuity and the communication of sun, surf and sand. Like Jack Johnson, who is coincidently a close friend and musical accomplice of Frankenreiter, he’s an artist that predominantly appeals to fans of the surf folk genre. This album is no exception.
Donavon Frankenreiter’s fourth album, Glow is out now on Liquid Tambourine Records
