I never thought that a Christian band could bring any excitement… until now. I recently discovered Danielson Familie, whose music I would describe as avantpop, with a lot of influence from artists such as Captain Beefheart, The Pixies, and even Frank Zappa. On top of that, they recite prayers at their concerts, dressed as nurses. If I didn’t check their bio twice, I would have been convinced that their religious orientation is a cynical joke. But it’s not and that makes them even more interesting.
The actual name of the band is just ‘Danielson’, consisting of the frontman Daniel Smith and a number of various artists with whom he collaborates. When he is joined by his family on stage and in the studio, they are called ‘Danielson Familie.' The family are his siblings Andrew, David, Megan, and Rachel, his wife Elin, friends Christiaan and Melissa Palladino, and his daughter Lilly. The whole act of wearing uniforms on stage is, according to Daniel, 'a visual reminder of the spiritual and emotional healing taking place' within audience members." During some performances, Smith has "worn a nine-foot tall, hand-made nine-fruit tree to 'bear the good fruit,'" in reference to the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
This song with a hilarious title “Did I Step On Your Trumpet”, that you’re watching in the background, is taken from their seventh full-length album “Ships,” released by the record label ‘Secretly Canadian’ in 2006. The songs were recorded by Daniel Smith in collaboration with almost 40 musicians. The video and the lyrics are also strange enough to be funny and attractive, at least for those who prefer individuality and humour in music. All in all, an excellent product, like the rest of the bands discography. Don’t miss to check ‘Danielson Familie’ on the net - they are definitely one of the most original and exciting indie bands today.
