Dan Masterson

By Victor D. Infante TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

The first time you hear the title song to Boston singer-songwriter Dan Masterson's new EP, "Atlas," it's easy to wonder, "Which 'Dancing With the Stars' routine was done to that again?" The song is absolutely gorgeous, its piano and warm vocals rolling gently, with just the right amount of propulsion to keep the listener engaged. But there's also a sense of instant familiarity to the song, a sense that we already know it from somewhere.

That spark of recognition is a little dangerous, and if there's one flaw on "Atlas" – and really, it may be the only one – it's that this album is exactly what you expect it to be: Beautifully wrought adult love songs, well-played and even-better-sung. The sort of songs you expect to hear over a climactic love scene near the end of the movie, the couple embracing and kissing as the piano part crescendoes.

There's nothing wrong with that, of course.

"You are the wind in my sails," sings Masterson, "You are the star to my north./You make my world spin on its axis, and you carry my weight./Baby, you are my Atlas." It's the sort of line that hipsters deride and someone else (heck, maybe the same person) will dance to at their wedding.

Masterson – who will headline a release party for "Atlas" April 11 at the Hard Rock Café Boston with a lineup of acts that includes We Were Astronauts, AJ Edwards, Jane's Great Dane and THA CAPITAL G – has put together a very technically accomplished and emotionally compelling album, and the things he sets out to do with that album, he does very, VERY well.

The EP's second song, "Slow Burn," is probably the album's strongest work, it's slow tidal pull examination of a slowly dying relationship. There's something exquisitely honest about the song, about the small bite to lines such as "don't leave us to die in embers." Even when, in the bridge, he opens the door to rekindling the relationship in the future, the words seem flat and hollow, and even the singer knows it. It's actually a nice little bit of unreliable narration – simultaneously human and empty.

Unsurprisingly, the tonal changes that come with the third song, "Nobody I Know (Slow Down)," are a bit jarring – it's the point where Masterson isn't explicitly addressing love, and while the piano blisters, the lyrics are a tad too affirmational for my tastes. Still, it's not objectionable, and the burst of energy on the piano playing is much appreciated.

As the album winds down with "City Streets," Masterson pivots back into romantic ambiguity with a portrait of a relationship that teeters in the purgatory between friendship and romance.
"I can't pretend," he sings, "I don't see there's something going on/but I can't help but think how our friendship could go wrong/I say we're friends and that is all/but how can I be sure when I stand right here/and I want more."

There's a lot of tropes going on in this song – a little bit John Legend's "You & I (Beautiful)," a little Chet Baker's "Just Friends" – but it comes together well and avoids clichés by having the persona own his relationship (or lack thereof). In the end, it's a beautiful little love song, and one has to be hard-hearted to not be moved, at least a little. - Worcester Telegram

Incorporating an emotionally-driven personality into his songwriting, Dan Masterson is an eccentric solo act who introduces a highly enthusiastic instrumental approach that breaks the mold of contemporary pop. With a plethora of influences ranging from piano-centric rock artists like Jack’s Mannequin and Regina Spektor to established alternative groups including The Civil Wars, The Fray and Mumford And Sons, the Massachusetts-based singer-songwriter brings justice to his captivating prowess with his sophomore release, Learn To Live. Adding to his impressive talents, Masterson charms listeners with his passionate vocal delivery that complements his whimsical musicianship.

Scripted accordingly like five acts in a play, Learn To Live conveys a chronological tale that revolves around Masterson’s personal journey of moving forward after bearing through overwhelming heartache. With an alluring piano melody that hones the jubilant spirit of the opening title-track, “Learn To Live,” Masterson presents a hopeful lyrical narrative that sheds light on a content mindset that comes from getting over a former lover. While it is often easier said than done, standalone songs like “Fine” and “Bayonet” are solemn ballads that remind you of the conflicting struggles of staying optimistic during a tragic fallout, especially when nostalgic feelings begin to resurface over time.

From beginning to end, Learn To Live is a genuine effort that not only provides you with an enchanting sound, but also pierces straight to the heart in the long run. Listening to this album will make you feel as if you’re vicariously taking a walk in Masterson’s shoes by experiencing the gripping sorrow that he has endured. With relatable accounts of lingering experiences that touch upon the anguish of trembling heartache throughout, Learn To Live acquaints you with a stunning theatrical sequence that profiles Masterson’s uphill battle of fighting these reoccurring woes while conquering despair.

In A Word: Stunning

—by Ryan McGrath, April 30, 2014 - Aquarian Magazine

"Dan has a unique, simple vocal style that is reminiscent of such classic performers like Billy Joel, but with a modern day sensibility thrown in to make it sound current and contemporary. The overall simplicity of his music is breathtaking with dynamic piano melodies inter weaved through his delicate and passionate vocals that enhance the overall emotional intensity of each song with remarkable precision. It's very rare nowadays to find performers that keep it simple with an organic approach to each song that when played, gives the listener the feel that they're actually in the studio with the artist as they're recording it. Dan is a truly talented and gifted individual and his talents shine very brightly on each and every composition he records. Some of my favorite tracks from Dan include "Father Time" and "Jack and Jill"." Tuesday, August 16, 2011 - Music Box Pete Blog