Ondolindë, the new concept album by, Deron Daum tells the story of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Silmarillion while also touching on our modern world.
By Graeme Smith
An indie pop artist who is new to this blog, Deron Daum takes inspiration from ’70s art rock as well as contemporaries like Phoebe Bridgers, Circa Waves and At The Drive-In. He’s just come to my attention thanks to his album Ondolindë (pronounced ON-doe-LIN-dae).
The album’s name is taken from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Silmarillion and refers to the last elven city to be destroyed in the war against Morgoth. It’s a concept album, with each track being told from the perspective of a different character. If this sounds a little too esoteric, there’s plenty of exploration of modern life in it too, drawing on the dark and light of our world.
At The Rising Of The Sun gets things going in a bright indie pop style with lively acoustic guitar and a soulful vocal. What stands out most, as you might expect from a concept album, is the storytelling of the lyrics. They paint a picture of adventure and emotional longing.
From there we get highs and lows with tales of finding one’s place, introspection and a desire for freedom. Don’t Run Away is a rocking highlight while Invited bristles with a post-rock edge. It nicely sets up album single Sea Longing. A track about Deron Daum’s love for the ocean, it’s as expansive as the sea itself. The passion shines through in the vocal, especially during a soaring chorus.
The album’s final leg gives us touches of indie disco in Searching For Heaven, fuzzy punk in Tapestry and gentle soft rock in A New Start. Breathing is beautifully airy before I’ll Watch You From Afar closes the album with a pensive, cinematic moment.
Ondolindë was written and recorded by Deron Daum with guitar from Seth Paul and drums from Anna Mariko Seymour. It’s set for release 6 December 2024.