Project Review - “Cazimi” by Dani Darling
Danielle Davis, aka Dani Darling, has a vision of her musical life as a reflective, appreciative, and soulful spirit, one that carries sonically beautiful memories through her artistic heart, acknowledging that sometimes, the hindrances that plague us offer beautiful melodies while walking the line of tragedy. Cazimi is poised as the next chapter in Davis’s sonically gorgeous landscape of musical flowers, and for every note played throughout this EP, the message of this project blesses us, the listener, with perhaps her best material to date. It’s raw, honest, dreaming, and everything one should expect from the always talented songstress.
“Let’s pretend things are not getting weird. I’ll pretend I am okay down here.” softly speaks Davis on the title track over a grazing guitar riff. Throughout the project, Davis sings about subjects that are always difficult to discuss conversationally. However, for the multi-talented singer, music has always been a tool for healing, and she takes full advantage of these moments by making each lyric of the 14-minute EP feel like it is an eternity’s worth of experience.
A cazimi is a moment in astrology. It occurs when a planet becomes close to the heart of the sun, initiating a new cycle. To say this project feels like a new cycle would be a disservice. Davis’s ability to make each moment feel universe-building is nothing short of uncanny.
Going into this project, Davis broke the news that Cazimi would be her final project, as she is stepping away from music indefinitely. With that knowledge, each song holds more weight as the listener feels the gravity of every note played, run sung, and lyric uttered.
What is truly remarkable about this project is the variety in styles, where songs like “Roam” and “Same” have an upbeat flavor with a hopeful message. On tracks like "So Good," she offers serenity through tempered vocals and easing guitar. With five songs, Davis accomplishes the difficult task of packing two albums' worth of emotion and not having a moment of wasted lines or filler sounds on the project.
Instrumentally, Davis uses a trope that’s extremely rare to see in modern music, one where every moment is an excuse to evolve. While a guitar riff acts as the soul of a song, she incorporates swift flute solos, subtle string sections to fill out a bubbling crescendo, or a hook that flexes stern piano notes; songs rarely sit still, and mundane is an emotion she expertly avoids.
Overall, this project is what every project should strive to be. Conscience, honest, evolving, and in-depth with emotion. Cazimi is, without question, one of the best projects of the year. You can hear the project here.
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Ms. Davis, as a journalist, I will say it has been an honor to hear your music. If you decide to make another project, I would be more than grateful to listen and appreciate the artistic beauty. As someone fortunate enough to know you, I must say that you are a wondrous talent who inspires me and everyone around you. I’m thankful for every moment, and if this is my last review of your music, I sincerely want you to know that each opportunity was appreciated and admired every step of the way. Cazimi is truly a special project, and I am proud of what you have allowed us to hear. Thank you.
