Question marks fill the sky. Dayclear & First Dark is intense, apocalyptic angst and twisting tension unfolded for all to see. Mr. Givens lays open his heart to work it out in real-time. His words may not have the explosive weight of stronger scribes Saul Williams or Mike Ladd, but he makes up for it with a magnetic, murky, musical landscape. In fact, the instrumental aspects stand tallest. These are shadow songs, yet through the dimness pokes a positive strain. Daniel Givens is an optimist sure of survival. Dayclear & First Dark shines with his brave spirit.