Amen Dunes is the project of New York-based Damon McMahon. Amen Dunes’ fifth record, Freedom, is exactly why you stick with an artist. Every record in Amen Dunes discography has been stronger than the one before and Freedom keeps the trend going as it is Damon McMahon’s finest work to date.
McMahon brings a high level of sophistication to its psychedelic indie (and at times, folkish) tracks. Freedom has a War On Drugs, Kevin Morby, and Kurt Vile type of vibe.
The record is a true listener’s album as with each spin all of its intricate details just pour out. From the layered vocal ending upswing of album highlight “Miki Dora” to the swirling ending of “Believe,” Amen Dunes has something interesting set up in every track. Another great example of this is on the title track the song completely comes to halt after the 4-minute mark for a full two seconds before finishing with a new quicker tempo. These compositions talk about life and all the challenges it can bring a person.
That emotion and storytelling, when flawlessly executed, makes for a fantastic listen. That’s what you get in Freedom.
Christopher Anthony
For more of Christopher Anthony’s music reviews, check out The Fire Note
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David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television
