Artist Dianogah

After what seemed like an eternity since 2002’s Millions Of Brazilians, Chicago post-punk band Dianogah finally released a successor, Qhnnnl, in 2008. The demands of real life prevented the trio from doing much during that time, so writing and performing only occurred intermittently. The long gestation may help explain the album’s shift: Qhnnnl—pronounced KWEN-el, “impolite slang” with origins in a Montana dialect, according to bassist-vocalist Jay Ryan—finds Dianogah feeling aggressive, and adding vocals to more songs. The album also features cameos from Andrew Bird, Chicago songwriter Stephanie Morris, and others.

Updated 12/15/2009