2012.08.31 Dianogah - Qhnnnl

Color: White

Released: 2008, August 25

Label: Southern Records

The one where they all grow beards. No seriously, Dianogah is a band I have great admiration for musically (due to their songs that most center around two bass players both playing interesting lines) and from an aesthetic standpoint (one of said bass players is poster artist/illustrator Jay Ryan). I remember purchasing this from Reckless Records on a trip similar to the one I’m on now - returning home for a visit with family and friends. This release marks a departure for the band in several ways. Musically it is their most interesting. It features more vocals than their last few releases and has a lot more varied instruments joining the procession. Millions of Brazilians hinted at this sort of change but now Qhnnnl (pronounced “kweh-nul”) embraces it. Andrew Bird even makes an appearance on this record. But perhaps the greatest (and unfortunately most tragic) contribution on this record is from Stephanie Morris, who lends guitar and vocals to some of the album’s best tracks. Morris passed away just prior to the band’s 2009 appearance at Pitchfork Music Fest and that set was dedicated to her memory. Aesthetically the album takes a sharp turn from the usual illustrated fare and features photos of the heavily bearded core members of the band. Those who picked up the vinyl, however, got a nice treat - the album featured screen printed fold over piece featuring art from Ryan. The sudden passing of Morris may have prematurely forced the band into a state of hiatus, but they have left us with their best and most captivating recording to date.