There is not enough space in this review—or this magazine—to adequately describe the history and "uniqueness" of Danielson Famile. Suffice to say: They’re completely different.
Led by "Brother Daniel" Smith, the group’s latest, Fetch the Compass Kids, continues in the vein of the group’s previous works such as Tri-Danielson! Utilizing guitars, bells, drums, flute, violin, banjo, bass, trombone and organ, this music might best be described as the Little Rascals on speed.
Smith’s falsetto vocals and beyond-obtuse lyrics ("We who have lips happy and sad gonna sing the wide and long and high and deep oh Lord" from "Singers Go First") bring to mind what one might expect if frat-house comedian Adam Sandler—composer of "The Chanukah Song" and "Red Hooded Sweatshirt"—were to get saved.
The topics of Fetch the Compass Kids seem to include the stability of focusing on Jesus ("Fetch the Compass Kids"), the need to pursue humility ("Rallying the Dominoes") and the fruit of the Holy Spirit ("Fathom the Nine Fruits Pie"). But with other song titles that include "Who the Hello" and "Good News for the Pus Pickers," it is a safe bet that Danielson Famile may be happy to leave interpretations up to the individual.
-- Derek Wesley Selby
