2006, Self-released
Trance, the first release from Southern Utah musician Cody Hunt, who performs as The Dayspring Anthology, opens with a piano that maintains a certain ubiquity across the album. Alongside the piano is a gentle demeanor that helps to define The Dayspring Anthology's notable sound.
The Dayspring Anthology is surprisingly unique; the difficulty of finding something that really sounds like this is notable. Even among other piano-driven indie pop musicians -- of which there is no real shortage -- The Dayspring Anthology stands out with a staggering confidence. Helped along the path by Hunt's subdued vocal qualities, Trance feels loose, but still with a modicum of eager attitude.
This release is packed to the brink with memorable pop tunes, but falls short by ending after a mere seven tracks. Trance is a steadily-paced album with enough sonic variety to keep listeners interested through its entirety, but beyond that, even. If nothing else, The Dayspring Anthology leaves listeners craving more of his delicate pop melodies and subdued demeanor.