Artist:     Dan Israel

Album:     Social Media Anxiety Disorder

Label:     Self-released

Release Date:     10.11.19

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Accentuating the positive, with the solar-powered, upbeat pop and exuberant horns streaming out of “Be My Girl,” Minnesota singer-songwriter Dan Israel tries to beat back self-doubt and regret on the multi-faceted Social Media Anxiety Disorder, his 15^th studio album, perhaps his most stylistically unique and idiosyncratic effort to date, occasionally falling short.

An exhausted Israel, known for his roots-rock and folk sensibilities, attempts to gently strum away the dark clouds on an isolated and contemplative “Tired,” weary of pondering his own failings. Starry and expansive, with liquid keyboards courtesy of Steve Price and Jeremy Yivisacker’s undulating, distortion-fed guitar aurora borealis dancing and crackling in the background, a rather gloomy “Still I’m Lost” wanders through a past of getting stuck in the weeds, admitting a lack of direction in life. Still, Israel concludes that everything is going to be alright.

That’s the sort of cockeyed optimism that shines through much of Social Media Anxiety Disorder, with its variety of textures and moods mirroring the wide-ranging universal and thoroughly modern concerns of Israel’s heartfelt and exploratory lyrics. Assisted by a cadre of sympathetic musicians, skilled at helping shape and add layers to his melodic whims, Israel occasionally breaks free of reality, easily navigating the surreal psychedelia and obscure wordplay of “125” and letting the bittersweet, soft-rock chorus of “Just Can’t Take it” bloom in an escape to the ‘70s. Long after the memory of the latter’s big sunny beats, gleaming synths and uplifting acoustic guitar drive is gone, the good-natured “Here For Today” and its swerving slide-guitar, tight handclaps and crackerjack drums offer a reminder that Israel can carve a simple, yet satisfying cut of meaty hard rock like a seasoned butcher. Social Media Anxiety Disorder is a steady diet of interesting and accessible songwriting.

—Peter Lindblad