Dan Kibler – Idiomatic

Idiomatic is Dan Kibler’s fourth release and first in about 17 years. I have to admit to not having heard his music before. That makes Idiomatic a wonderful surprise.

Idiomatic is an amalgam of sounds and shapes, all of which feel familiar. And yet, Kibler has created his own unique concoction. It’s ten very solid power pop tunes, all propelled by familiar sound structures, catchy choruses and lots o’ guitars. It’s text book power pop – and oh so good.

The strumming guitar opening of “Rail Me Down” grabbed me right away after which the melody swept me away. Fans of 12 string guitar will dig “See You There”. Personally, I love the harmonies on this one. “Don’t Go For The Money” swings a bit harder than the previous tracks while “I Don’t Like You” takes the less is more approach. Most significantly, the melodies are strong and the choruses memorable.

Pure Power Pop

As good as all of the songs on Idiomatic are, none are more typical of the power pop genre than “Mystery Girl”. Not only does it cite a well-known Nick Lowe tune but the guitars have all the requisite jangle and the chorus is so sticky sweet that it demands you sing along. It’s as good as anything I’ve heard this year.

To be clear, every song on Dan Kibler’s Idiomatic is first rate power pop. It’s a must have for all fans of the genre and clearly one of the best of 2023.

Get Dan Kibler’s Idiomatic

Kibler has siphoned out the essential elements of power pop and created something that feels familiar yet fresh. You’d be nuts not to get this one. Get your copy at Kool Kat Musik.