The debut solo project from Daniel Sherman is rife with experimentation. Never once settling down, the Livermore based artist flip flops between genres with a graceful and pointed ease. ‘UNCAGED.’ remains a story driven project however, with elements of horror inspiring the aesthetic and soundscapes that Sherman brings to life. It’s a 16 song deep dive into Sherman’s inner psyche and musicality, allowing the listener to never once feeling like they’re hearing a consistent and repetitive tonality and melody. Constantly switching up genres in each track gives him freedom from predictability, but it also lends some diversity to further encourage the listener to embark on the story that he’s penned down. The lyrics are moody and genuine, carrying with them a vulnerability and complexity that goes hand in hand with the world building of the production.
When talking about themes on this album, he stated: “I’d say the biggest themes on this album are death and life, fear and courage, isolation and community, division and unity, and prison and freedom. It’s on one layer about my journey with mental health and my faith, but on another layer about my journey as a solo artist learning to step into who I really am. This really does feel like the first project of mine that showcases who I feel I am as a creative.”
There’s really not any semblance of continuity in the soundscapes. Hearing ‘VOICES’, you’d think you’ve come across an experimental spoken word/rap performance project. But then on ‘I HATE NOSTALGIA’, it feels like you’re listening to an emo pop project with an infusion of electro-pop. It’s a long ride, one that might not be easily digestible in a single go, but is perfectly acceptable to listen to as a playlist where you can pick and choose based on your mood.
If you have a long interest in well penned music, and ones that try to step outside the box, ‘UNCAGED.’ will be a welcome project for you.