Unexpected versatility

Dan Mangan’s newest album release, Oh Fortune, is a clear departure from the folk sound that brought him acclaim

Arts & Crafts released Oh Fortune on Sept. 27.
Image supplied by: Supplied
Arts & Crafts released Oh Fortune on Sept. 27.

It’s been two years since the release of Dan Mangan’s breakout record Nice, Nice, Very Nice — an album that landed him a Polaris Music Prize short list nomination. With his new album Oh Fortune, the Vancouver native steps away from the folk sound that brought him critical acclaim.

The singer-songwriter is known as a no frills solo artist armed only with a deep voice and an acoustic guitar. But, with Oh Fortune, he makes full use of a backing band. From the strings on opening track “About As Helpful As You Can Be Without Being Any Help At All,” to the trumpet solo on “Jeopardy,” Mangan adopts a more symphonic sound.

While 2005’s Postcards & Daydreaming and 2009’s Nice, Nice, Very Nice are fairly homogeneous and folk-based, Oh Fortune is more difficult to pigeonhole. What makes Oh Fortune one of the most interesting releases this year is the different direction of each song.

“Post-War Blues” is a highlight, pushing the album into rock territory with guitar-solo frenzies. The next track, “If I Am Dead,” reels back into familiar folk for long-time fans.

Although the uplifting orchestra suggests otherwise, Oh Fortune is a lyrically dark affair — ranging from matters of post-war depression to Mangan’s own struggles with death.

Oh Fortune is a departure from Mangan’s earlier style, but long-time fans shouldn’t worry. The atmosphere may have changed, but the characteristics associated with Mangan’s previous efforts are there. The warm voice and the lyrics still carry the songs. This time around, it’s just in different packaging.

Dan Mangan plays Sydenham United Church on Oct. 15.

Tags

Album review, Dan Mangan, Oh Fortune

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