Destroyer is a Canadian indie rock band formed in Vancouver in 1995 by singer-songwriter Dan Bejar. Known for Bejar’s distinctive songwriting and poetic lyrics, the band has released 13 studio albums and gained a dedicated following over the years. Destroyer’s music is characterized by its eclectic and often experimental sound, blending elements of indie rock, art rock, and electronic music.
The band’s breakthrough came with the release of their sixth album, “Destroyer’s Rubies”, in 2006, which was praised by critics for its lush production and complex songwriting. The album’s success led to increased visibility for the band and a growing fanbase.
Destroyer’s music is known for its poetic and sometimes enigmatic lyrics, which explore themes of love, loss, and identity. Bejar’s distinctive voice and style have been compared to artists such as David Bowie and Leonard Cohen.
In addition to his work with Destroyer, Bejar has collaborated with numerous other musicians and bands, including The New Pornographers and Swan Lake. His prolific output and unique style have made him one of Canada’s most respected and influential indie musicians.
Overall, Destroyer remains a beloved and highly regarded band in the indie music scene, known for their innovative sound and poetic lyricism.
1. “Kaputt”
“Kaputt” is a song by the Canadian indie rock band Destroyer, released in 2011 as the title track of their album of the same name. The song features a smooth, jazz-inspired sound with saxophones, synthesizers, and a muted trumpet that give it a distinct 1980s feel. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, with themes of nostalgia and longing for a lost time. The song’s lush and dreamy soundscapes, combined with the melancholic lyrics, create a haunting and mesmerizing effect that captures the listener’s attention from beginning to end. “Kaputt” is often cited as one of Destroyer’s most acclaimed and influential works.
2. “Chinatown”
“Chinatown” is a song by Destroyer, released in 2011 on their album “Kaputt”. The song features Dan Bejar’s distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics, with a lush and dreamy sound that incorporates elements of jazz, pop, and electronic music. “Chinatown” is a haunting and introspective track that explores themes of memory and loss, with lyrics that are both cryptic and evocative. The song’s production is rich and atmospheric, with its smooth saxophone solos and ethereal synth pads adding to its dreamlike quality. “Chinatown” remains one of Destroyer’s most beloved and acclaimed songs, and a testament to their unique sound and style.
3. “Rubies”
“Rubies” is a song by the Canadian indie rock band Destroyer, released in 2006. The track features frontman Dan Bejar’s distinctively poetic lyrics and a dynamic arrangement that builds to a climactic chorus. The song’s instrumentation is characterized by its use of horns and strings, creating a lush and intricate sound. “Rubies” has been praised for its complex and evocative lyrics, which touch on themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of existence. With its unique blend of musical and lyrical elements, “Rubies” remains a standout track in Destroyer’s discography and a favorite among fans of indie and alternative rock.
4. “Suicide Demo for Kara Walker”
“Suicide Demo for Kara Walker” is a song by Canadian indie rock band Destroyer. It is a 12-minute long epic that combines elements of jazz, art rock, and experimental music. The lyrics are impressionistic and abstract, referencing various cultural figures and historical events, and exploring themes of identity, race, and artistic expression. The song features intricate instrumentation, including saxophone solos, piano riffs, and unconventional percussion, creating a dreamlike and hypnotic atmosphere. “Suicide Demo for Kara Walker” is a bold and ambitious composition that showcases Destroyer’s willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of indie rock.
5. “Blue Eyes”
“Blue Eyes” is a song by Destroyer, released in 2011 on their album “Kaputt”. The song features Dan Bejar’s distinctively poetic lyrics and a dreamy, atmospheric sound that combines elements of electronic music and jazz. “Blue Eyes” is a melancholic and introspective track that explores themes of love and loss, with lyrics that are both evocative and mysterious. The song’s production is lush and ethereal, with its shimmering synths and smooth saxophone adding to its dreamlike quality. “Blue Eyes” remains a standout track from “Kaputt” and a testament to Destroyer’s ability to create music that is both musically complex and emotionally resonant.
6. “Bay of Pigs (Detail)”
“Bay of Pigs (Detail)” is a song by Destroyer, released in 2011 on their album “Kaputt”. The song features Dan Bejar’s distinctively poetic lyrics and a dreamy, atmospheric sound that incorporates elements of jazz, pop, and electronic music. “Bay of Pigs (Detail)” is a sprawling and epic track that explores themes of power and corruption, with lyrics that are both cryptic and evocative. The song’s production is rich and lush, with its smooth saxophone solos and ethereal synth pads adding to its dreamlike quality. “Bay of Pigs (Detail)” remains one of Destroyer’s most ambitious and acclaimed songs, and a testament to their unique sound and style.
7. “Savage Night at the Opera”
“Savage Night at the Opera” is a song by Destroyer, released in 2015 on their album “Poison Season”. The song features Dan Bejar’s unique vocals and poetic lyrics, with a dramatic and orchestral sound that draws inspiration from classic rock and roll. “Savage Night at the Opera” is an epic and cinematic track that tells a story of a wild and reckless night out, with lyrics that are both vivid and enigmatic. The song’s production is grand and sweeping, with its soaring strings and bombastic horns adding to its sense of grandeur. “Savage Night at the Opera” remains a standout track from “Poison Season” and a testament to Destroyer’s ability to create music that is both complex and emotionally charged.
8. “Streets of Fire”
“Streets of Fire” is a song by Destroyer, released in 2004 on their album “Your Blues”. The song features Dan Bejar’s unique vocals and poetic lyrics, with a sparse and minimalist sound that draws inspiration from classic rock and roll. “Streets of Fire” is a dark and introspective track that explores themes of love and loss, with lyrics that are both haunting and cryptic. The song’s production is sparse and atmospheric, with its simple piano melody and raw guitar riffs adding to its emotional power. “Streets of Fire” remains a beloved track from “Your Blues” and a testament to Destroyer’s ability to create music that is both musically complex and emotionally resonant.
9. “Dream Lover”
“Dream Lover” is a song by Destroyer, released in 2017 on their album “ken”. The song features Dan Bejar’s unique vocals and poetic lyrics, with a catchy and upbeat sound that draws inspiration from 80s pop music. “Dream Lover” is an optimistic and playful track that explores themes of love and longing, with lyrics that are both clever and heartfelt. The song’s production is polished and bright, with its shimmering synths and infectious guitar riffs adding to its sense of joy and fun. “Dream Lover” remains a standout track from “ken” and a testament to Destroyer’s ability to create music that is both musically innovative and emotionally resonant.
10. “It’s Gonna Take an Airplane”
“It’s Gonna Take an Airplane” is a dreamy and atmospheric track by Canadian indie rock band Destroyer. The song features intricate guitar riffs and Dan Bejar’s distinctive vocals, which float over a wash of synths and horns. The lyrics are cryptic and poetic, exploring themes of longing and escape. The chorus is particularly memorable, with Bejar repeating the title phrase in a melancholic yet hopeful tone. “It’s Gonna Take an Airplane” is a standout track on Destroyer’s critically acclaimed album “Rubies,” and showcases the band’s ability to craft intricate and emotive indie rock anthems.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
