by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Daniel H. Levine has been kicking around the East Coast DIY scene for nearly two decades, with the first solo album on his Bandcamp page released back in 2004. In addition to solo records under his own name, he’s played in both Philadelphia’s Sun Hat and New Paltz’s 3dCosby, and formed another solo project, Homework Club. While we’re not crazy about homework, Levine’s music gives it a good name and the project is definitely worth your time. Set to release Bad Coding, his second album as Homework Club, on May 13th via Richmond’s Big Distance Records, lead single “Oleander” is a wild trip into Levine’s psyche.
Disorienting and pitch shifted, “Oleander” is up-beat and radiant, a song that embraces every weird touch it can muster. Co-written with Anthony Aquilino (Looser, Sun Hat, Quiet Loudly) and featuring live drums courtesy of Miles Waltuck, the song wanders between electronic manipulation and human touch, grooving with a sprightly rhythm and understated twang. The pairing of programmed and live drums sets a lush rhythmic backdrop as minor chords progress and acoustic strums pair with tripped out beats. The whole thing wriggles with a pop-energy and an off-kilter glow.