What do atheism, nature, salamanders, the year 536 BC, lo-fi electronics, and garage rock have in common? Perhaps not much on paper, but they all swirl together in lysergic glee on Dennis Davison’s third solo album, Sirens and Hellbenders, which is due out May 23rd.
Davison is a solo artist, multi-instrumentalist and the lead singer and songwriter in the Grammy-nominated band the Jigsaw Seen. The band has been immortalized by being included on the seminal Children of Nuggets Box Set, but Davison’s place in neo-psychedelia was already assured as a member of the early 1980s band United States Of Existence.
Davison began his solo career in 2020 and since then has released his debut album, a 5-song EP, and an album of voice memo demos. His songs and voice can be heard in many films and television shows, including the six-time Emmy Award-winning animated sci-fi series, Futurama, and the black comedy drama, Shameless.
Today, Glide is offering a premiere of the first single from Sirens and Hellbenders, the hard-rocking standout tune “Putting Up With People.” The song bursts with burly power-chord riffs and melodic, driving basslines, recalling the anthemics of British rock bands such The Move and The Kinks. Under Davison’s watch, the song wields a hefty dose of power with its soaring guitars and harmonies. The clever lyrics speak to Davison’s patience with interpersonal relationships, and he brings them to life with a slew of vocal effects that make the message even more powerful. There is a decidedly throwback grandiose rock sound to the song, showcasing Davison’s ability to work with a wide sonic palette.
Davison describes the inspiration behind the song:
By the title alone, you might think that “Putting Up With People” is a “Complaint song.” You’d be partially right, but it’s also meant as an encouragement to be more diplomatic. Tempting as it is to go to war with every horrible person that passes through your life, you can’t let them take up too much space in your brain.
The “up with people” backing vocals in the chorus are meant to add an air of lightness to the proceedings. In fact it even led me to use a photo of the extremely saccharine singing group, Up With People, for the single’s artwork. (Look them up, you’ll gag!)
I brought in my buddy, Teddy Freese from my old band, The Jigsaw Seen to play drums on the track. Teddy lives in Italy, so he was put to task to find a studio and record his parts! Somehow it all worked out.
My friend Paul Kopf, from Strangers In A Strange Land and my wife, KXLU DJ, Michelle Krupkin Join me on backing vocals.
LISTEN:
3 Responses
Fantastic track from one of my fave musicians!!
Thank you so much!
This is the best song ever! I love it! Dennis is amazing.