Where do you evens start with Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, Munly,and The Lupercalians? A trio of artists/bands/projects with so much content, it would be a daunting task to even consider trying to get up to speed. Despite being intertwined by writing, recording, and performing, the easiest option would be to combine them all into one band. That’s the short answer to just who makes up DBUK (at one point being known as Denver Broncos UK). Calling them a ‘supergroup’ would understate the history of each project, but what can you do? Combining all of those elements is essentially the story behind DBUK’s latest album Songs Nine Through Sixteen.
As with all Cessna/Munly related music, there’s a struggle when trying to pin them to a particular genre. Songs Nine Through Sixteen shows hints of country, folk, bluegrass, and even psychedelic, but not in the traditional sense of any of those genres. There’s plenty of acoustic guitars, unorthodox production, and campfire stories but all of those elements are skewed by a twisted sense of dark humor found in an alternate reality. Just like this album’s 2015 predecessor Songs One Through Eight, eerie storytelling is balanced by moments of off-beat humor. Imagine if Tim Burton and David Lynch decided to form a coffee house band. In fact, I’d give anything to see “Coca-Colonialism” turned into a stop-motion short film.
On the other side of the spectrum, production is nothing short of amazing. Even with sparse instrumentation, Songs Nine Through Sixteen is a canvas of lush soundscapes. From the middle-eastern flavor of the aforementioned “Coca-Colonialism” to the ominous pipe organ of “It’s Killing Me”, it’s the subtle nuance that elevates every single track. My favorite track “Deerslayer” would be a wild story of Weird Al proportions if it weren’t for the sparkly, sentimental production. It’s moments like this that showcases the very best of those involved.
At the end of the day, Songs Nine Through Sixteen is not only a wonderful collection of darkly humored folk songs acting as a companion to Songs One Through Eight, but it also stands completely on its own. More importantly, it’s a culmination of everything these artists are known for. It may be a weird trip for new listeners but Songs Nine Through Sixteen offers up just enough charm to get them started on the most beautifully weird journey known as Cessna, Munly & The Lupercalians.
For more info on DBUK, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club, Munly & The Lupercalians, and to purchase Songs Nine Through Sixteen, please visit scacunincorporated.com
