Alpha by Tri-Danielson (Review)
An acoustic Christian version of Ween is basically the closest description I can come up with while listening to Tri-Danielson’s Alpha (or any of the other albums created by Daniel Smith, for that matter). There are three parts to the band (hence the name Tri-Danielson), which is essentially a collaboration between Brother Daniel Smith, his family(e), and his friends. The first album was by Danielson, second by the Danielson Famile, and the third is by Tri-Danielson. Get it? The lineup and names are almost as colorful as the songs themselves.
The Alpha album, fittingly followed by an Omega album, may throw you for a loop if you have not heard the previous two releases. Spreading the Gospel in a unique (emphasis on the word “unique”) fashion is the goal of Daniel, and he achieves it in a humorous, yet serious method. “Rubbernecker” discusses the stereotypical male pig who cannot keep his eyes or words to himself when a “movie face” walks by with “homemade thighs.” The portrayal of the chauvinist man being a clown is evident with the circus tent-ish tune played by Chris on the keyboards and the familiar piping vocals of Daniel. There is much love and respect to women within the lyrics of Smith.
“Between the Lines of the Scout Signs” considers the phenomenon of the middle finger as Daniel screams, “Shake hands with that middle finger! Put your dukes up with that middle finger! I love you!” There’s a noticeable resemblance to old Ween albums, except for the overwhelming positive message Brother Daniel is spreading. He has taken evangelism to a peculiar but effective level that involves love and not persecution.
Another issue touched upon is the strange language of profanity. Sisters Megan and Rachel (who serve as the group’s backup singers a la some old Motown anthology) discuss a situation where Megan’s date mumbles foul words. When all is said and done, Danielson breaks in shrieking, “Won’t kiss no pottymouth! Away with the pottymouth!” “Pottymouth” is a further example of the awkward but always entertaining way the group uses music to stress the importance of decency.
The remainder of the album is brimming with amusing folk songs geared to stimulate you spiritually. Whoever said worshipping had to be done in a strictly formal manner? Probably a lot of people. The live show put on by Danielson Famile is equally comical, with the entire band dressed in doctor and nurse outfits. When I saw them at Cornerstone, Daniel came out in an enormous fake tree and played a solo set until the rest of the clan joined him. There’s never a dull moment with Danielson (in all of its incarnations), whether listening to the album or watching them live.
Written by Nolan Shigley.