What an impressive debut album from Danno Simpson. An up and coming artist who was born in Texas and hails from Fort Collins, CO, Simpson has spent the past 5 years quietly developing a potent catalog of originals. Beginning with his Honest Sessions and Clubhouse Sessions Vol. 1 EPs, Simpson’s earliest music was largely stripped-back and acoustic with an emphasis on his powerful lyricism and knack for storytelling. But as Simpson has come into his own as a musician and continued to release singles and EPs, he began adding layers to his sound with a full band and more intricate instrumentation, taking the music to another level while maintaining the integrity of his songwriting craft. The trend towards a bigger and better sound is gradual but obvious when combing through Simpson’s catalog, and in hindsight, he was just laying the foundation for his greatest sonic leap yet – his debut album. Titled The Kill Joy, Simpson’s brand new record features 10 tracks that span an array of topics and run the gamut sonically, but are all steeped in reflection surrounding the experiences that have brought him to where he is today. Boasting heavier guitar tones and more prominent bass lines than any of his music to date, a logical progression from the stripped-back tunes that started his career, Simpson’s new music remains rooted in country music tradition yet complimented by the edgier elements of Colorado’s punk scene in which he’s been active for years. And without sacrificing his lyrical prowess as a result, Simpson has forged a a unique sound and aura that are on full display in The Kill Joy. Opting for a quick rollout of the record, Simpson released both “Hotel Hillcrest” and “Days Gone By” to give his fans a glimpse of the record before hitting us with the full project shortly thereafter on July 11. As talented as he is, one can only imagine that Simpson is poised for a breakthrough, and there’s a high likelihood this album could be the catalyst that gets him there. See for yourself, and listen to a few early favorites from The Kill Joy: “A Song About What I Can’t Have” “Heartless” “Down on My Knees” “Am I Stoned or Not Breathing” “Leave Me Where You Found Me” While I hope more tour dates are yet to be announced as Simpson promotes the album’s release, there are a handful of shows already announced for this summer and fall that feature Simpson headlining some local venues, opening for Charles Wesley Godwin in Montana, and making an appearance at the Peacemaker Festival in Fort Smith, AR alongside the likes of Stephen Wilson Jr., Southall, Sam Barber, and more. Get out there and catch Simpson live if he’s coming to a city near you, and if not, be on the lookout for more tour dates coming your way from one of country music’s most promising up-and-comers. These songs are going to absolutely rock live. Danno Simpson Tour Dates 7/20 – Aggie Theatre – Fort Collins, CO^ 10/10 – Peacemaker Festival – Fort Smith, AR* 10/17 – Pub Station – Billings, MT+ 10/18 – The ELM – Bozeman, MT+ 10/19 – The Wilma – Missoula, MT+ *festival date ^w/ Ronnie and the Redwoods +supporting Charles Wesley GodwinThe post Danno Simpson Explores His Sound In Reflective Debut Record, ‘The Kill Joy’ first appeared on Whiskey Riff.