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"Daniel & the Lion's songs evoke power in their spareness, similar to Eau Claire indie darling Bon Iver."

"As a follow-up to their painstakingly handcrafted debut album, "This Is Handmade," Madison duo Daniel & the Lion have once again crafted a beautiful set of quiet folk. "Secret Stuff" is a short EP, only four tracks, all available for free download on the band's Web site at datlband.com/secretstuff. The duo is Jimmie Linville (lyrics, vocals, guitar/banjo) and Daniel Pingrey (spot-on marimba and piano). Davey Roberts adds understated percussion when needed. The songs are wispy and brief, but they pack an emotional heft carried on Linville's evocative lyrics and Pingrey's sharp musical ear. The undulating, waving tone of a single piano chord bookends "Tracing Circles" and suggests the drone of cicadas on a hot summer night next to Linville's image-rich lyrics ("You're tracing circles with that sparkler in your hands"). The duo excels at setting a mood and a colorful atmosphere with each song. "Jonah" begins with footsteps that turn into a percussive beat. Pingrey's marimba rings out like falling drops of water on "Robin Song." Definitely take advantage of these free downloads, but also be sure to catch Daniel & the Lion perform. The glowing tone of the marimba sounds best live."

- Katjusa Cisar, 77 Square

Daniel and the Lion plays honest Wisconsin folk music. Their music is a mix of dusty folk and falsetto soul. Daniel Pingrey plays marimba and piano, while Jimmie Linville plays guitar and sings. Daniel is the music, Jimmie is the songs.

Come out to a show, and if you want to go to perkins after for chocolate milk or something, we're down.

For a free song, email us at freesong@datlband.com

Or better yet, check out our iTunes page: