Danava: s/t (Kemado)
release: October 31, 2006
styles: Over the top, self-absorbed prog-rock
similar: Hawkwind, Black Sabbath, Wolfmother, The Sword
rating: **

Danava (pronounced DON-UH-VUH) is like a drugged-out prog sorcery version of the Darkness. They're a throwback to big-sounding experimental bands from the vintage days, with sludgy guitars, weird sounds, complex drums and non-comprehendable falsetto vocals. They play long, long rock symphonies (track two of the five here is 12 minutes) where you wonder just how each band member remembers what to play when. The funny thing about Danava is that they're from Portland, Oregon, where, for some at least, the image of light-hearted indie pop bands comes to mind. It just goes to show how Danava really don't care about what's going on around them and really are doing their own thing. This, by far, isn't for everyone, but will appeal to a select chosen few who play in their own metal-prog band or just like to shred on air guitar. -Kenyon