DM Stith is David Smith, the son of a college wind ensemble director and a pianist. His musical childhood deeply influenced his first album, Heavy Ghost, out March 10th on Asthmatic Kitty.  His songs have an ornate orchestral quality similar to that of label mate Sufjan Stevens but darker and more prone to the occasional devolution into little more than noise.  The vocals recall the haunting quality of Grizzly Bear, a pure falsetto which fills in the soft orchestral elements well. The songs also have the quasi-religious symbolism of Sufjan.  The first track, Isaac's Song is meant to evoke the biblical story of Abraham who was asked by God to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his devotion.  It starts out with insistent piano chords and builds to a frenzy of wailing and cymbal rolls before settling back down to a soft piano outro. Smith has worked extensively with Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond, facilitating the recording of her first album in 2006.  Through her he met Sufjan Stevens who, after hearing only two of his songs, asked him to record an album for Asthmatic Kitty.  Sufjan had the right idea yet again. DM Stith is definitely a band to watch in the coming years.

Kayla Morrison

Alternative Music Director KUPS 90.1 FM Tacoma