Daphne Loves Derby – Good Night, Witness Light

Artist: Daphne Loves Derby
Album: Good Night, Witness Light
Label: Outlook
Purchase: Smart Punk
Release Date: March 23rd, 2007

Overall: 8.0
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 7.5
Production: 8.0

If you have ever been a fan of Daphne Loves Derby or thought you might ever want to be then “Good Night, Witness Light”, the latest full length from the band, is for you. The second full length release under the Outlook Music label blends together everything that made this band big in the indie scene and everything it takes to become accessible with the mainstream crowd.

Catchy choruses along with hooks scattered throughout the verses are a common thing on “Good Night, Witness Light”. I can appreciate a band that can bust out an acoustic guitar on several songs and not have it define their sound. “Cue The Sun!” is a mellow example of this which eventually builds to a harmonica appearance. A couple of the poppier songs include “Hello, Color Red”, “Miniature Christmas Tree” and “Stranger, You and I” which I feel give the album the feeling that Daphne Loves Derby haven’t forgotten their roots.

While “Marching Band Intro” and “That’s Our Hero Shot” sound really cool with the use of different instruments they do feel like the odd songs out on the record. My guess is the diversity will be a welcome change though. “Good Night, Witness Light” is a Christmas/New Year’s record in disguise, with more than a couple songs mentioning one of the two.

All in all a great record that would be a welcome to any collection with its songs that couple fit any type of mood. I was not a huge fan of “On The Strength of All Convicted” but this latest record sure has won me back.

Tracklisting
1. Are Two Chords Enough, Dear?
2. Stranger, You and I
3. Iron In The Backseat
4. No One Is Convinced
5. Marching Band Intro
6. That’s Our Hero Shot
7. To Struggle With Light
8. Cue The Sun
9. Miniature Christmas Tree
10. Love and Mercy
11. Hello Color Red
12. The Best Part About It Honey
13. How’s It Going To End?