About Me
Ladies and Gentleman, our top story tonite. The Dysmal is the founder of Techno-aggressor Pop! a polite blend of pop vox, bionic synths, quasistatic guitar, foolhardy bass, and techno-groove drums!The Dysmal
"Top Story Tonite 2006"
CD review by Mike O'Cull,
Staff Writer Chicago Music GuideThe Dysmal is a melodically and compositionally sophisticated outfit that specializes in "Techno-Aggressor Pop", which they describe as a "Polite blend of Pop vox, quasi-static guitar, bionic synths, foolhardy bass, and tech-groove drums". Whether it is all that remains to be seen, but it IS a cool mix of singer- songwriting, electronic sounds, and soulful vocals that will appeal to fans of literate pop music. The group is the brainchild of guitarist/songwriter Bill Harrell, who, along with producer Obese Genius, crafts the sounds, stories, and melodies that comprise his body of work. Harrell is a mystery man of sorts, working equally out of New York, Boston, and Chicago and developing a solid reputation in the sonic underground. His music has been arriving on this reviewers' desk periodically for years, mostly from his previous incarnations . He gives few interviews and is seldom photographed in uncontrolled situations. Mostly, he holes up in recording studios with a select group of supporting players and converts his innermost thoughts into digital bliss.
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The songs contained on "Top Story Tonite 2006" wrap themselves around a listener in the same way a great soundtrack surrounds a film. They create a world unto themselves and welcome in anyone perceptive enough to notice the door. Many of the tunes are built on classic synth-rock grooves and give off a cool To-Live-And-Die-In L.A. sort of vibe. Highlights include "Pieces", "Top Story Tonite", and the singularly acoustic selection "Safe". Harrell is definitely a moving target, and fans will have to hustle to get a glimpse of his studio tan, but their efforts will be rewarded with pop music made for the thinking few if they are able to catch him in the flesh.
