A. Dyjecinski – The Valley of Yessiree – Released on 29th April 2016 on Sideway Saloon

The facts are somewhat limited when it comes to Mr. A. Dyjecinski. His website doesn’t contain much in the way of personal information. It doesn’t contain much at all other than links to the new album and the opportunity to purchase an original photo by the man himself. Some artists serve it up on a platter, others you have to work at!

We can tell you he’s from Ontario Canada, and in a sense, do we need more? The album is described in the press release as “A self-recorded autobiographical concept record on failure in the pursuit of loneliness and the ghosts that occupy his mind”, but that doesn’t help much either! Artur Dyjecinski has been living in London in recent years and is the lead vocalist with Dracula Legs, who have a more upbeat guitar driven sound.

The tracks are sparse to the point of being barren. The production allows the instruments to echo and reverberate in open spaces. Dyjecinski’s voice is deep and sonorous and becomes the centre of this unusual world. The lyrics are oblique and with titles like ‘Dead horse’ you slowly realise you are in a dark place, but there is a touch of humour also.

‘There’ll be dead horses, in our garden, this year’ – Dead Horses

The arrangement features electric guitar, but it is distant in the mix. There are murky keyboards along with subtle drums and very little else. He is joined by a guest vocalist on ‘The Fight’ and ‘Dry Bread’. A sultry female voice that contrasts his own well. This is not the type of album that will ever demand a stadium tour, but will be listened to in darkened rooms at the dead of night. Something tells me Mr. Dyjecinski wouldn’t have it any other way.

This is his debut album and is released on Sideway  Saloon on April 29th.

Track List –

1. Goad by a Valley
2. Dead Horses
3. I’m the Woods
4. The Fight
5. Dry Bread
6. Yessiree
7. The Resurrection
8. Grenades
9. Hunger
10. Ivorm