A Ninja Slob Drew Me

Album Info

A Ninja Slob Drew Me is the project of Daniel James Brown, who has on previous albums brought in other musicians for individual tracks to add to the range of sounds available for what was essentially a solo project. For Retreat, he has embraced the spirit of collaboration, with the majority of tracks utilising the violin and vocal talents of Jo Stevens and Oliver Barnett on drums. This gives the album a rich, full sound and feel, which benefits from this extra input whilst continuing to explore the possibilities established by previous albums. The songs are inspired by a range of ideas, but what unites them is a concerned and sometimes pessimistic look at the outside world. The album opens with the most optimistic song, Retreat, inspired by the natural wonders and culture of Iceland. This is followed by songs inspired by the rise and fall of empires through history, the conflict between capitalism and the environment, and even a song inspired by the film Robocop's portrayal of a future shaped by out of control business greed. More concise and darker than previous offerings, Retreat is ambitious both in its exploration of the possibilities afforded by its collaborative nature and in the range of themes it portrays in an atmospheric, often cinematic style. credits released July 21, 2016 1. Retreat Written by Daniel James Brown and Jo Stevens. 7-string bass, keyboards, percussion and samples: Daniel James Brown Violin and glockenspiel: Jo Stevens Drums: Oliver Barnett Recorded by Mark Ward at Masters of Sonic Mixed and produced by Daniel James Brown Mastered by Steve Kitch at Audiomaster 2. 23 Written by Daniel James Brown and Jo Stevens 7-string bass, keyboards, programming and samples: Daniel James Brown Lyrics and vocals: Jo Stevens Drums and percussion: Oliver Barnett Recorded by Mark Ward at Masters of Sonic Mixed and produced by Daniel James Brown Mastered by Steve Kitch at Audiomaster 3. There We Walked Written by Daniel James Brown 7-string bass, keyboards and samples: Daniel James Brown Recorded at ANSDM studio Mixed and produced by Daniel James Brown Mastered by Steve Kitch at Audiomaster 4. Deleted Water Written by Daniel James Brown, Ross Coleman and Jo Stevens 7-string bass, keyboards, programming and samples: Daniel James Brown Violin and vocals: Jo Stevens Lyrics: Ross Coleman (from 2008's version appearing on 'One Week in Sand') Recorded by Mark Ward at Masters of Sonic Mixed and produced by Daniel James Brown Mastered by Steve Kitch at Audiomaster 5. Surface Tension Written by Daniel James Brown and Jo Stevens 7-string bass, keyboards, programming and samples: Daniel James Brown Violin and vocals: Jo Stevens Drums and percussion: Oliver Barnett Recorded by Mark Ward at Masters of Sonic Mixed and produced by Daniel James Brown Mastered by Steve Kitch at Audiomaster 6. DOAYCWM Written by Daniel James Brown and Jo Stevens 7-string bass, keyboards, programming, percussion and samples: Daniel James Brown Violin: Jo Stevens Drums: Oliver Barnett Recorded by Mark Ward at Masters of Sonic Mixed and produced by Daniel James Brown Mastered by Steve Kitch at Audiomaster