ALBUM REVIEW: JESPER BINZER – Dying Is Easy

ALBUM REVIEW: JESPER BINZER – Dying Is Easy
Warner Bros Denmark
November 2017
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
9/10

D-A-D frontman Jesper Binzer’s first solo album will, upon first listen, sound very much like the eleven records he’s made in his day job, and D-A-D’s admirers will have plenty to enjoy here.

But upon repeat listening, Binzer and his new crew of heavy rockers – Soren Anderson, who produces as well as contributing guitars, bass, keys and strings, Jakob Rønlov on drums and Rune Harder Olesen handling percussion – have crafted a more layered album, perhaps using D-A-D’s Soft Dogs record has more of an initial reference point. This album, like that one, uses more acoustic guitar as its foundation – not that this is an acoustic or folky album in any way – and lyrically Binzer is in a more reflective mood than usual.

Dying Is Easy (Rock n’ Roll Is Hard) is a perfect sentiment that is self-explanatory and something that perhaps we all feel after turning fifty and realising we’re suddenly on the downward slope.

Planet Blue and The Bumpy Road both discuss difficult times – it’s no secret Binzer has dealt with depression in the past, and he brings the realistic positivity of experience to the subject of both songs. Whilst there is a sadness to these tracks, Binzer deals with them with compassion and ensures that at their heart remains hope.

Tell Myself To Be Kind admits that we all have bad days, and a bonus cover version of The Savage Rose’s Wild Child is a great rocker to close out the record.

The two best tracks on the album are The Future Is Now and Rock On Rock On Rock, and they couldn’t be more different. The former is a full force rocker featuring Cult-like guitars that cut like a scythe that’s been written especially for The World Boxing Super Series, while the latter is reflective and gently moving, perhaps the most acoustic track on the record. Both are instantly catchy earworms and amongst our favourite songs of the year.

Category: CD Reviews