“We just told the photographer, ‘Let’s get nutty, man.’”

The enduring quality of an artist is determined not by their initial success, but by his or her second effort. This fact separates the one-hit-wonders from the truly talented. Anyone who presumes to be a painter, woodworker, or scrapbooker can happen upon a brilliant landscape, dresser, or 12th birthday commemorative page. Earning credentials as an “artist” requires repeating that success.

The national reputation of Eau Claire’s music scene seems to be poised at this juncture. Yes, Bon Iver’s wild popularity has led throngs of music fans across the world to take a stab at pronouncing our sparkling French moniker. But if our name is to become a permanent entry in the music-geography lexicon, our follow-up entry is even more important. Fortunately, one of Eau Claire’s next acts is waiting in the wings. The Daredevil Christopher Wright, with their new album In Deference to a Broken Back, could hold the honor of cementing Eau Claire’s highly regarded national indie music status.

Not that the three gentlemen who comprise this trio get too caught up in the pressure of being the Chippewa Valley’s next best chance at stardom. “We’re going to give this our best shot and keep trying, but we’re also not banking on the fact that we’ll be international music stars,” says Jon Sunde, lead vocalist for DCW.

Nonetheless, their “best shot” is paying off. The Daredevil Christopher Wright has gotten a lot of that fancy internet attention, including write-ups on blogs like Daytrotter and Said the Gramophone, Paste magazine’s online artist of the week, and a song featured on NPR Music. They hired a PR guy, and they have been making the rounds in the Twin Cities and Chicago. Even if they have reached their peak and the momentum unexpectedly quits, these three have likely garnered more national attention than any other local music act in recent years, besides Justin Vernon, of course.

    So, what did it for these guys? Their back-story is fairly simple – Jason and Jon Sunde are born into a musical family. Jason heads towards the Chippewa Valley for college, Jon follows a few years later. Jon meets bearded drummer Jesse Edgington, and they start performing together. Jason joins the pair a short while later, add some salt and pepper, let simmer for four years, and the first full-length album is ready.

Daredevil’s mythos is not the basis for their success. It is, as it should be, their music. The album is alternately rocking and poetic. Their songwriting is almost symphonic, with popular songs like The East Coast and A Conversation About Cancer eschewing the verse/chorus format for movements replete with unique instrumentation. At the same time, tracks like A Near Death Experience at Sea are reminiscent of the energy that defined their initial hits like How To Get My Head Back On My Shoulders.

Fans of Daredevil’s live performances and the constant experimentation with which they approach their songs will find that spirit on the album, as well. Old favorites are given new treatment, and new favorites are established.

 If any criticism exists of this album, it concerns how long it took to be released. Jason is quick to address the wait.

“I heard a quote: of cheap, fast, and good, you can only pick two. We didn’t have any money, so we went with cheap and good.” And even if the buildup to Daredevil’s first CD was a little painful, their timetable is fully in line with their intent to master the entire music-making process for themselves.

Jesse puts it best. “We want to be here for a long time doing this. With this album we are planning a marriage, not a wedding.” And as everyone knows, a good marriage takes patience, and is well worth the wait.

    In Deference to a Broken Back will be released May 19. You can pre-order it for $12 through Amble Down at www.ambledown.com, or else visit one of these CD release shows.

    Daredevil + Cedarwell • Friday, May 15 • Grand Little Theatre, 102 W Grand Ave., Eau Claire • 6pm • $5 • all ages • 832-7529

    Daredevil + Small Cities + Cedarwell • Friday, May 15 • House of Rock, 422 Water St., Eau Claire • 9pm • $5 • ages 21+ • www.house-of-rock.com