Album Review: Donovan’s Brain — Fire Printing
I’ve covered more releases than I can easily count by Donovan’s Brain. (Okay, I counted, and it’s at least four. Math’s not my strong suit.) And there’s a reason for that: the rock-pop collective is a reliable source of engaging, intriguing and just plain tuneful rock. So when a new album from that outfit arrives on my desk, I enthusiastically give it a listen.
And here they are again, with Fire Printing. When I pop the CD into my PC-connected player, the artists registers as Appearing as Donovan’s Brain. Why, I cannot tell you. Perhaps that billing has to do with the shifting lineup; Donovan’s Brain has always seemed more of a collective than a band. A collective of like-minded, highly creative individuals, though.
Longtime drummer Ric Parnell (the explosive drummer from This is Spinal Tap) is on most – but not all – of the album; he passed away not long ago. Joe Adragna (best known as The Junior League) drums on the others, and plays a bunch of other instruments as well. Scott McCaughey (Minus 5, Young Fresh Fellows, The Baseball Project, R.E.M. etc.) appears on one cut. Frequent associate Deniz Tek plays on one cut. Point being, the core members of Ron Sanchez and Scott Sutherland are joined by their pals in this endeavor.
The record is characteristically eclectic. An ode to another musical friend, “Hey Bobby!” name-checks Bobby Sutliff and Parnell (among others) in a mournful, Plastic Ono Band-esque tune. A hazy psychedelic vibe informs many of the songs, along with a winning late ‘60s/early ‘70s sonic aesthetic. Fire Printing is perhaps more idiosyncratic than previous Donovan’s Brain albums, but it’s every bit as strong.
Highlights are many. “Unreal” is a chiming, minor-key midtempo jangle rocker. “Stranger in the Light of Day” is a swirling, fetchingly off-kilter psych number with distorted guitar and a lysergic vibe. “How to Leave Connecticut” is a lumbering, countrifed cut that could pass for an unheard recording by Olivia Tremor Control. “Mirror Pieces” feels like shoegaze meets ‘90s powerful alternarock a la The Posies. “Stay Strong” conjures a Big Star 3rd vibe. “An Echo of Apology” is seven-plus minutes of disorienting sonic crosstalk. A haunted, melancholy feel pervades the album, filled with lyrics about loss and regret. Extensive and effective use of Mellotron only reinforces those characteristics.
Fire Printing isn’t a “happy” record. It’s also not an immediate one; the music may require multiple spins to burrow its way into your psyche. But if you give it time, the rewards are many. So when the mood strikes you in the right way, the latest from Donovan’s Brain can be just the right ticket.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.