Separated by three years and two EPs, the album to follow up their debut, Renko, presented a showcase of West Coast-oriented pop/rock originating from the Lowlands (though, due to the country's size, some might argue that anywhere in the Netherlands literally is west coast). Back in 1995 the band wasn't flattered by enduring comparisons to Buffalo Springfield, the Byrds, and '70s-period Beach Boys. However, Daryll-Ann undeniably inhabits a certain West Coast feel, something they shouldn't be bothered with. Especially since interviews with the Dutch press also found the bandmembers not particularly modest about their latest effort. After various performances at big Dutch festivals over the course of 1994 and the relative success of the EPs abroad, they got half a million dollars to make their first Hut album. Joined by third consecutive drummer Jeroen Kleijn, it turned out to be a different-sounding record from Renko. Compositions on Seaborne West -- the title points to the band's Dutch roots, as well as their U.S.-directed ambitions -- are much gentler in tone and accompanied by far better arrangements. This subtle change of style was already evident on the two live tracks that were included on the Come Around EP. At the same time, Renko's charmingly noisy edges remained, but in a more focused manner. Through the harmony of their voices, Jelle Paulusma and Anne Soldaat reached an emotional and artistic peak. Taking their main inspiration from De Veluwe, the rural area of their hometown, Ermelo, Daryll-Ann didn't stick to simply copying their influences. They merely took key elements from them, carefully molding everything into a unique approach that was entirely their own. After "I Could Never Love You," "Stay" was again proclaimed single of the week by Music Maker. While Big Star's "Thirteen" was included as a bonus to the single, the album spawned another cover in Carly Simon's "You're So Vain." Although in the manner of Daryll-Ann it sounded a lot more cynical than the original, the truth was it actually reminded Paulusma of long drives he took with his dad. Other delights include the weary "Doctor & I," the heavy-on-the-mind "Low Light," and the tour de force of "HP Confirm."
© Quint Kik /TiVo