Druckfarben ~ Canada ~ Toronto, Ontario

Second Sound (2014)

As if emboldened by their debut's comparisons to Dillinger, Druckfarben has gone even further to prove the point (was I the only one to do this? I wonder...). They have actually improved on their already impressive debut. Ed Bernard is the master of the stringed instrument, schooling us all on guitar, violin, viola, mandolin, banjo, dobro, and - "pint glass and incidentals" (lol). Vocalist Phil Naro sings like men used to in the 1970s and early 80s - with hairy chest and big balls. The idea was to pick up hot girls, something that I guess is now (sadly) sooooo passe. William Hare provides us our analog keyboard fix. Kansas (the good stuff - do I really need to qualify this comparison?) remains the altar at which Druckfarben worships at. And I'll be damned, if I don't hear some Rush creeping in here as well. Hey, they're Canadian, they can't help it. And, I for one, welcome the influence. If Druckfarben existed in 1976, they'd be topping the Billboard charts. As it stands, they are heroes to those who remember the best part of growing up in 1970s North America. Thanks for that, Druckfarben. Here's to hoping you go backwards in time from here.

Ownership: 2014 private (CD). Acquired in 2014.

9/16/14 (review)

Druckfarben (2011)

In the 1970s, there existed a band from Toronto called Dillinger, who seamlessly mixed progressive rock and commercial styled tunes to perfection. Druckfarben are the spiritual successor to the two Dillinger albums. It is the definition of the USA Midwest / Ontario Progressive Rock (1970's/early 80s) sound that I've painstakingly documented. Given that this is a 2011 release, the commercial aspects are less "FM ready", but rather geared to the discerning listener of finely crafted pop music. Musically, with its very strong Hammond organ and violin presence, Druckfarben are clearly aiming for the Point of Know Return. And having hindsight at their disposal, they only leave the good stuff in, while weeding out the cringe worthy material. Excellent new band with many ideas. Let's see where they go next.

Ownership: 2011 private (CD). Digipak. Acquired in 2013.

5/2/13 (review)

This was to be the end of the band. Vocalist Phil Naro sadly passed away in 2021. It doesn't appear the band has any plans to reunite.

5/2/13 (new entry)