Review Summary: FutureNever exemplifies melodic exploration but never quite feels like a complete album.
On FutureNever, Daniel Johns has a unique voice for chord progressions and melodies on display throughout its 12 tracks. I absolutely adore the eccentricity of the song ideas presented here though it never quite feels like a complete album.
Emergency Calls Only is a high point for Daniel Johns' song writing career. It's at the same level as Tuna in the Brine and Across the Night, packaged in a more concise and focused pop song. I would love to hear Johns do a full album collaboration with Van Dyke parks and embrace the simplicity of that set up; see Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks' Smile.
Sometimes the instrumentation and performances don't match the scale of the song ideas, like Johns is trying to write music bigger than he is willing to follow through on. An example of this is Reclaim Your Heart. It feels like it wants to be huge but doesn't have the band power to back it.
When song ideas align with the execution, for example the deceptively simple Someone Call and Ambulance, it all comes together perfectly.
Though this album has its short comings it often rises to unexpected heights. Giving this album a listen is completely worth your time and you are likely to come away with some unexpected and pleasant surprises.
I'm grateful Daniel Johns is still making music and I love that he is letting his eccentricities shine here. I can't wait to see what he does next and I really hope there is more of his music in the future.
Favorite tracks: Cocaine Killer, I Feel Electric, Emergency Calls Only, Someone Call and Ambulance.
Least Favorite Tracks: Reclaim Your Heart, FreakNever, Those Thieving Birds Pt. 3
