Duncan Daniels has never been one to play it safe, and with “Honesty & Nostalgia (Deluxe)” he proves once again that true artistry comes from blending heart, craft, and courage. The 20-track collection is sprawling in scope yet deeply personal, a body of work that bridges Americana, Country storytelling, and Alternative Rock grit into something that feels timeless rather than trend-chasing.
At its core, this record is about honesty—the kind that’s raw, sometimes uncomfortable, but always necessary. Daniels has built the deluxe edition as both a continuation and expansion of the original Honesty & Nostalgia, layering in years of lived experience and his sharpest songwriting to date. Tracks like “Holy Water,” backed by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, swell with cinematic grandeur, while “Get Up” surges with soulful determination, and “Kryptonite” retreats inward, offering a stripped-down confessional moment. Each song feels like a diary entry, unfiltered and fully lived. The Album also featured “Nirvana Song,” which was released earlier this year.
A highlight of the project, “Cowboys Wear Stetsons,” showcases Daniels’ Nashville connections and collaborative spirit. Recorded at Pentavarit Studios and co-written with platinum-certified artist Ron Pope, the track assembles a who’s-who of country music talent—from Smith Curry’s pedal steel (a player with credits spanning Willie Nelson to Dolly Parton) to Evan Hutchings, Mike Rinne, Devin Malone, Justin Ostrander, and Billy Justineau. It’s the kind of record that feels both classic and modern, with Pope guiding Daniels’ vocal delivery into its most nuanced form yet.
Behind the scenes, the technical polish is equally meticulous. Daniels’ longtime collaborator Alex Solano handled the early Dolby Atmos and stereo mixes, while Justine Blazer took over for final mastering and mixing duties. The finishing touch came from GRAMMY-winning engineer Brad Blackwood, whose Dolby Atmos master of “Cowboys Wear Stetsons” brings out every ounce of dynamic range.
What’s striking about Honesty & Nostalgia (Deluxe) is how it refuses to box itself into a single genre. It’s orchestral, it’s country, it’s rock, but more importantly, it’s Duncan Daniels—transparent, fearless, and unafraid to let listeners see every shade of himself. This isn’t just a deluxe album; it’s a reassertion of who he is as an artist and storyteller.
With ‘Honesty & Nostalgia (Deluxe),’ Duncan Daniels delivers a cinematic, heartfelt opus that fuses Americana, Country, and Alternative Rock into a timeless statement of resilience and truth.
