Donaher – Gravity And The Stars Above

Self released on 4th February, this is Donaher’s sophomore album release after their 2017 album ‘I Swear My Love Is True’.  This is a band that have been by design, a band that play pop punk with an edginess that can be likened to Fountains Of Wayne, what sets them apart though, is how they are able to somehow make the love song cool again, not since the likes of the Buzzcocks or the Undertones have songs that lyrically might have been relegated to the nearest school disco or teen bedroom, somehow elevate themselves to a place beyond the sleepover record player.  

Admittedly the opener ‘Fixer Upper’ with its self criticism that is encased in a sound that not only emits the same feeling, but drives it home perfectly, a stand out that never quite gets bettered, sets the bar maybe a little to high for the next eight tracks.

But, and there is a but, only after listening two or three times through, do you now get it.  This is in many ways a very brave band and album, to take what are no more than songs of love, break up and reverence for a partner, lay them down as a body of work that you stand by 100%, gets much respect from myself.

So, what more can be said without mentioning the L word?, yes there are songs like ‘For Your Love’, ‘Before Anyone Else’, or ‘Believe’ all super standard in ideals, all covered in a rock pop overcoat, but then as you delve deeper, some gems fall from the sky in the form of ‘Circle Yes or No’ an emotional rollercoaster that hits the nail on the head of  how possible rejection feels, then ‘Lights Out’ that is actual rejection and the fall out of it, with no nonsense lyrics, and what about ‘Sleepless In New England’ the end game of how love works.

What you get with Donaher and Gravity And The Stars Above, is nothing that has not done before, but done better.

Yes there is a place in my musical library for simple love songs, pop songs that could be timeless, songs played with every single bit of commitment they deserve, we all do need a softer side, a side that is venerable, this album fills that gap perfectly.  

Now is the moment when people who have already heard the album wonder, why hasn’t he mentioned a particular song, well here it is. How do you sum up this album? Easily, ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’ the Carol King classic, played in a way that is Donaher, gritty yet passionate with a huge dollop of punk attitude, reminds me a little of when The Ramones did ‘Baby I Love You’.

Don’t be a nasty punk rocker every day of your life, leave a place in the corner of your heart for real life soft soppy shit too, It’s life!

Out on 4th February and all the links to get your hand on it can be found d HERE

Check out the band on their FACEBOOK