Album Review: David White by David Trenaman
Released in 2016 under The Quarantine label, David White is a rock album that captures the raw essence of Canadian artist David Trenaman. It's not just another rock record; it’s an intimate journey through sound and emotion, crafted with care by a tight-knit team. With Colleen handling layout and photography, and Dave wearing multiple hats as mixer, masterer, and collaborator, this project feels like a labor of love. And let’s be real—when everyone involved is this invested, you can hear it.
The album opens strong, but two tracks stand out for different reasons. First up is “Afraid Of Heights.” This one hits hard because it balances vulnerability with grit. Trenaman’s lyrics dive into fear and self-doubt without getting preachy or overblown. The guitar riffs are punchy yet restrained, leaving space for his voice to shine. You don’t need fancy metaphors here—it’s just good storytelling wrapped in solid rock instrumentation.
Then there’s “Orange You Glad,” which sneaks up on you. At first listen, it seems playful, almost quirky (yeah, I said quirky). But beneath its surface lies a bittersweet undertone. The melody sticks with you long after the song ends, partly because of how simple yet effective it is. It’s proof that sometimes less really is more. Plus, who wouldn’t remember a track with such a clever pun in the title?
What makes David White special isn’t just its music—it’s the people behind it. Trenaman wrote all the songs and performed them too, giving the album a cohesive feel. Credit also goes to Colleen and Dave, whose contributions elevate the final product. From the crisp mix to the striking album art, every detail matters. Honestly, it’s kinda refreshing to see a small team pull off something so polished.
Reflecting on David White, it’s clear this isn’t your typical rock album. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to. Instead, it offers honesty and craftsmanship. If anything, listening to it feels like catching up with an old friend—you know, the kind who tells great stories but never brags about it.
And hey, here’s a random thought: if albums were meals, David White would be comfort food. Not flashy, but satisfying in ways you didn’t expect.
