“Upon arrival during the fraught summer of 2020, “Flower of Devotion” felt like Dehd’s necessary prescription for us all. That was, of course, a moment of unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty, when just contemplating the future could seem overly optimistic. But Dehd captured and shared the precarious balance between real life and real hope, a feat mirrored by instant pop melodies and infectious punk energy. The Chicago trio had the audacity to look ahead when many of us didn’t, to imagine improvement through mere existence. It was an album we needed.
Through Dehd’s career, Jason Balla has been building his chops as a producer, so this was a chance to indulge and explore. Eric McGrady, meanwhile, considered how much more he could deliver as a drummer, adding layers to the thump of his past. And Emily, who admits that the process of making records has always been emotionally draining, focused on harnessing her indomitable energy, funnelling her power into these songs without being overpowered by them. Dehd gave themselves runway to make mistakes and the space to make a statement. “Blue Skies” is their poignant, redemptive, and deeply fun testament to trusting and pushing yourself.”
their new album ‘Poetry’, due out May 10th, 2024, on Fat Possum.
The Fat Angel Sings 