Dan Daly

ST. JOHN'S, Nfld. – Coming up with a band name can be a harrowing experience.
Before deciding upon a fitting moniker – and conducting a heart-stopping Google search to see if it's already in use – there's usually a checklist.
Does the name have the appropriate number of words and syllables? Does it reflect the tone of the music? Is easy to say, but hard to forget? What about staying power?
Then there's electro-pop/rock outfit Dan Daly who added another bullet point: does the name esoterically refer to a past project? Check.
The Mississauga band, who started out as a trio about two years ago, named themselves after a decorated U.S. marine who fought in the First World War. While their previous incarnation was named Belleau Woods, a battle in which the real Daly took part.
The only problem with taking a name from an actual (slightly obscure) person is that some may confuse you for a solo act not a full-on rock band.
Frontman Josh Fumo encountered just that a few weeks ago when the guys met with a concert promoter before a show at Cherry Cola's in Toronto.
"After two months of planning for the show, she met us and said, 'Okay, so who's Dan?'" recalled the singer/guitarist.
"Maybe we'll have to brainstorm a way to clarify that," he said, adding with a laugh that the mixup is "a cross we'll have to bear."
Besides, he continued, the name could also encourage some to "learn a bit of history" by searching the name.
Following last month's performance, the four-piece laid down their new single King Cool with Brampton's Mike Evola, who recorded the band's two previous albums.
The new track, which lyrically scratches the surface of dreams and waking life, is set to be released Feb. 6.
The band – rounded out by members James Amatuzio (keys), Matthew Attard (drums) and new addition Cameron West (bass) – had to make the most of their time together last month before Fumo headed back to his current home in St. John's, Newfoundland.
The 24-year-old moved to the Rock in September with his girlfriend, who headed out there to attend school.
A document of the emotional tug-of-war Fumo experienced when he decided to pack his bags can be heard on the closing track of Dan Daly's latest effort, Kenavo.
Entitled, Nfld – the abbreviation of Newfoundland – the song is a climatic, catchy and melodic farewell that gives off a whiff of alt-pop band Brand New, an admitted influence on Fumo.
"I was moving for love, but…I was also leaving so much of what I love," he said of the time.
"(The song) was talking about being so sure about something, but so unsure of something at the same time and, sort of, juggling two worlds at once."
Thankfully, he's pleased with the move. In fact, he's also found it bring his band closer.
"If anything, being further away from my bandmates has made me realize that we're in it for the long haul," he said.
"It was sort of scary at first, but it has transformed the way we write and the excitement we have behind our music."
While Dan Daly waits for Fumo to physically return this summer, the foursome continues to work on material by sending recordings back and forth online.
"Even with the distance between us it's like we're writing in the same room."
Visit dandalyband.ca for updates and dandalyband.bandcamp.com to hear their latest album.

By Jason Spencer - The Mississauga News