Universal Dice “A Very Small Man” (SINGLE)

I think Universal Dice’s “A Very Small Man”, the latest single from their new album release Misfit Memoirs, is the best representation yet for this collection.

URL: https://universaldice.com/

It’s a bold claim. The single’s predecessors, “Once Upon a Time”, “Slip Away”, and “Curse”, are powerful singles that make a case for Dantone being one of modern music’s finest songwriters. “A Very Small Man” further solidifies his status as a major talent. Dantone shoulders the workload single-handedly for this song. He plays each of the single’s instruments, writes the lyrics, sings, and scores the orchestral arrangement.

He makes it sound effortless. The best ones always do.

He achieves it without any musical chest-beating or heavy-handed theatrics. Much of the song’s first half impresses listeners on the back of its understatement. It has a surprising swing that hooks listeners from the beginning. Dantone has an exquisite touch on the drums, and the simple yet effective bass playing supplies perfect accompaniment.

The guitar playing provides perfect accompaniment as well. Dantone finds a memorable sound for the song’s six-string contributions without ever relying on cliched histrionics to make an impression. The orchestration touches blend well with the song’s established musical character and low-key additions from keyboards diversify the cut’s sound. They add color to an already memorable piece.

I’m quite taken by the deceptive simplicity of the lyrics. There isn’t an ounce of detectable fat in Dantone’s writing. His focus on bringing the song’s subject to life gives us a potent portrait in miniature before the track is halfway through. The details laden throughout the verses are general yet lend themselves to multiple interpretations rather than dictating to listeners. The nearly supernatural calm that Dantone’s vocals bring to the lyrical content helps further raise them up to the level of simple yet profound performed poetry.

You can’t help but admire how the song unfolds. Dantone builds “A Very Small Man” so that each progression feels and sounds inevitable. It has a predictable movement, but not in a negative sense. Instead, it gratifies listeners such as myself because Dantone executes each evolution with unshakable skill. The song generates a low-watt tension, as well, that you can’t ignore. It never reaches an upbeat pace nor strives for it, but nevertheless has an inexorable flow that carries listeners along. Even the break late in the track where Dantone indulges himself with a short spoken word section that doesn’t disrupt the flow.

It is a thoroughly satisfying musical experience. He’s achieved one of his finest moments as a songwriter and performer. It should lock in tight with the remainder of Misfit Memoirs, but there’s no question that it delivers on its own. Translating it into a live setting shouldn’t pose much, if any, challenge. Universal Dice’s “A Very Small Man” will likely remind you of someone you know, maybe several people, and provides memorable musical entertainment. It should please Dantone and Universal Dice’s longtime fans while converting any newcomers willing to hear the song. Get yourself ready for something special if you plan on seeking this out.

Mark Druery