Dean Blunts “lucre”
“lucre,” Dean Blunt’s new EP released on Feb. 7, feels like eavesdropping on something not meant for you, but something you feel you deserve to know. Listening to the album from start to finish, it’s clear the songs aren’t made to be listened to in order. Blunt’s lyricism and gritty vocals evoke an unspeakable nostalgia. It is strikingly mood heavy, and more whole than his previous songs and albums with a more coherent melodic structure. In the entire album there’s barely any vocal manipulation, just a sense of foggy distance in the music.
Each verse has a little something for everyone, whether that's thoughtful lyrics or comforting acoustics, at least one track is bound to resonate. Blunt’s last album, “BACKSTAGE RAVER,” has not gotten as much recognition in the mainstream as his most beloved album, “BLACK METAL,” released almost 10 years ago–here’s to hoping “lucre” gets its due diligence. Blunt collaborated with Danish vocalist Elias Ronnenfelt to create this cryptic piece, and disregarding the mysterious first impression, they managed to convey an unspeakable tenderness. Another notable and well-received track is “5” which starts off with whimsical strums of a guitar, and immediately dunks you into his angsty yet loveable lyrics. Blunt uses lyricism as a tasteful declaration of his angst.
“Since it’s been gone I’ve been lookin’ for anything, since I’ve been lyin’ I don’t mean a thing I say”
This style of songwriting is one size fits all, no matter what music taste the listener has.
“lucre” is brilliant and understated. Blunt’s popular songs like “9” or “LUSH” have simple lyrics, but In contrast, tracks from “lucre” are tediously crafted. They are a testament to his ability to create an incredibly immersive listening experience, and continue to not rely on conventional song structures. “lucre” showcases his artistry at its rawest and intentional point. In his song “3,” Blunt documents his disdain for a rudimentary, pedestrian lifestyle.
“I’ve been locked down running errands, I would get vile for a table…Kicking bricks around the goddamn road.”
He embarks on a vendetta for his feelings of stunted growth and shame. With the release of the new album he continues to step in his dreamy, cloud-like footsteps and continues the pattern of numbering his songs instead of naming them. Blunt has once more managed to pull listeners in with a deeply personal and deliberately elusive experience.