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The Daily Tar Heel

Music Review: Dad Rocks!

For a proud father of two, Dad Rocks!, the pseudonym of Icelandic/Danish musician Snaever Njall Albertsson, is the perfect name to use when making music inspired by his children. On Mount Modern, he combines robust instrumentation with a mix of pop and folk through cutesy songs that aim to not be taken too seriously. But despite his feel-good intentions, Albertsson’s quirky reflections of fatherhood are bogged down by immaturity.

Using a plethora of instruments including piano, violin, guitar and the occasional hand clapping, Mount Modern launches into a series of nostalgic tunes that are described to “fall somewhere between cynicism and naivete.” With lighthearted song titles like “Funemployment” and creating diverse layers of sound, Albertsson demonstrates a refreshing propensity for casual experimentation, but tries too hard to fit the indie folk mold.

For example, “Battle Hymn of the Fox Father” is a trip to the doldrums at best. The song is repetitive to the point of inducing drowsiness. It drags on too long and it becomes too easy to be quickly annoyed with Albertsson’s juvenile lyrics and overall monotonous song construction.

In some respects, Mount Modern fulfills all the expectations of a fun, eccentric folk album, while Albertsson weaves heartfelt personality into its fabric. However, the cuteness wears off quickly, leaving an album that fails to rise from the depths of an extended malaise.

-Elizabeth Byrum

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