Little is known about dvsn, but the Canadian R&B duo have been one of the hottest topics on the internet as of late. Their album Sept. 5th was released last Friday to critical acclaim, making their four-letter name a trending topic amongst music lovers worldwide.
dvsn is the combination of singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85, who is himself a long-time collaborator of Drake's. Noah '40' Shebib is also named as executive producer on the record, lending his signature craft to the duo's sound. The album was released on OVO Sound, and fits right at home with the label's atmospheric brand of R&B, but it doesn't rely on any features to give it a mainstream push. Instead, dvsn uses their own unique style to make a name for themselves. After listening to the record and seeing all the buzz about dvsn, we've decided to compile ten of their essential tracks for our readership.
"The Line"
Here is the first taste of dvsn that we were given, "The Line." Released just six months ago, the alternative R&B style didn't take too much time to catch on.
"With Me"
Released right along with "The Line," "With Me" employs the minimal production and soulful vocals that we want from dvsn. What sounds like Aaliyah with a twist of modern sensibility, the track mixes multiple vocal ranges while keeping it sexy.
"Too Deep"
The third single released off Sept. 5th is also a summary of the sounds dvsn brings to the table. Listen as they go "Too Deep" with some X-rated lyrics to boot.
"Don't you, baby, pull out
We're right where we're supposed to be
I just wanna go down
Give you what you want, complete-ly
And I just wanna be clear
We're doing right, what we're doing works
(Feels like I'm almost there, oh yeah)
The way that you speak to me, freak with me
Gives me a rise"
"Hallucinations"
The new wave of music, that has been described as wavey by more than just one artist, isn't afraid of a little psychedelia. "Hallucinations" plays on that, with a soft beat that slowly builds into something atmospheric and ambient, suiting singer Daniel Daley's voice perfectly.
"Sept. 5th"
The title track from dvsn's full-length release is about as straight-forward as it gets. "Baby I can't shake the feeling that I could make it better if I could have sex with you." It's accessible enough for anyone with reproductive organs, and the lyric can be applied to youthful lust or devestating heartbreak. As Daley croons atop of Nineteen85's production, it's painfully evident what we've come here for.
"Try / Effortless"
Drake's If You're Reading This was chalk-full of two-part songs, and here dvsn vibes the same way. "Try / Effortless" are two complimentary pieces that work very well together.
"Angela"
While most of the Sept. 5th album relies on heavily on influence from late 90s and early 00s R&B, but here the duo employ an influence that doesn't fall in line with that sound. Elliott Smith's "Angeles" is the basis for "Angela," and the duo pay tribute to the late indie artist's acoustic folk brilliance in a beautiful new way.
"Do It Well"
dvsn's sound, anonymity, and overall vibe isn't unlike fellow Toronto artist The Weeknd. Here they combine Abel-esque lyrics with that OVO sound to create a track that perfectly resonates in the modern pop landscape.
"I'm feeling fucked up, still love fucking
I ain't throwing money in the air for nothing"
Aaliyah - "One In A Million" (dvsn Remix)
You don't have to listen to much more than maybe 30 seconds of a dvsn track to know that they are obviousl Aaliyah fans. (As if the OVO Sound label wasn't already a dead give away.) Here they wear their inspirations on their sleeves by remixing the late singer's track "One In A Million," released just about a week ago.
Marvin Gaye - "Let's Get It On" (dvsn Tribute)
While dvsn doesn't sound too much like Marvin Gaye, the duo obviously understand the influential soul singer's role in their music. Here they pay tribute to one of Marvin's sexiest tracks, the notorious "Let's Get It On."