The Books We Read Will Bury Us is the highly anticipated follow-up to Harmann’s critically acclaimed 2004 release, the Lake Effect. The album was co-produced by Daniel G. Harmann and Marcus Howard, who realized this album through splitting their time between Harmann’s studio in the Northwest, and Howard’s Orangewood Recording studio in Phoenix. The record was mastered by Chuckie Duff, from Dear and the Headlights.
Don’t try to categorize Daniel G. Harmann’s music – it will only lead to confusion. Take some recent summations: Music Liberation Project told its readers to, “Imagine the musical genius of Jeff Buckley crossed with the haunting sound of The Smiths.” Unfinished Zine declared him “the hope for the singer/songwriter genre in the wake of Elliott Smith’s death.” Three Imaginary Girls called him a “gifted songwriter who finds splendor in dark corners and empty rooms” before they named the Lake Effect as one of their picks for Best New Releases of 2004. The Web zine Ink19 put it more concisely, describing him as simply “perfect.”
Whether Daniel G. Harmann’s music is reminiscent of Morrissey, Buckley or even Sigur Ros, is up to the critics and listener to decide, but by listening to Harmann’s new record, the Books We Read Will Bury Us, one thing becomes certain: Give Harmann a few minutes of your time, and he will gladly trade you his soul. Harmann’s themes are stunningly channeled and openly diverse. From the longing for blue-collar life in “Solidarity” to the celebration of friends in “Let’s Drink This Town Dry,” Harmann has succeeded in creating an outstanding EP about the quiet triumphs discovered within futility, all the while pushing the boundaries of sound & cinematic orchestration.