dianogah / qhnnnl CD
281461
Having spent the last twelve years making music with two basses and a drum kit, Chicago trio Dianogah have decided it's time to mix things up a bit. For their third album, qhnnnl, they claim to have been inspired by heavier music, particularly bands beginning with M (like Melvins and Messhugah). They bought a distortion pedal. But why stop there? They brought violinist Andrew Bird into the studio as well, and vocalist Stephanie Morris (Pawner's Society). Real vocals on a Dianogah record! The album also features guitarist Billy Smith (Hubcap), and Mark Greenberg (keyboard). So: heavy distortion? Check. Lush strings? Check. Haunting female vocals? Check. Soaring guitars? Check. Are we still talking about Dianogah?
It all adds up to what is certainly Dianogah's most diverse album, with their esteemed guests adding a subtle counter-point to the band's trademark intensity. The gorgeous melodic quicksand of sound will envelop the listener, the shades of dark and light will engage and surprise, and the lingering simplicity of qhnnnl's beauty will remain long after each listen.
