by Dawes
Dead Ringers
At times I’ve had a difficult relationship with Dawes. The Californian alternative / Americana brothers started imperiously with a six-year run of albums which dished up a string of instant classics. Tracks such as When My Time Comes (North Hills, 2009), So Well (Nothing Is Wrong, 2011), Most People (Stories Don’t End, 2013) and Things Happen (All Your Favourite Bands, 2015) cemented the duo’s position as rightful heirs to Jason Isbell’s Americana throne.
But in a push to develop their sound, Dawes lost their way. The raw production and simple arrangements – which had provided necessary balance to the sometimes saccharine and always ‘pop’ nature of their compositions – were replaced with misplaced synth lines and gated snares. After a cursory listen to 2018’s Passwords, I gave up.
But I’m happy to report that with Oh Brother (their ninth Studio LP), Dawes have well and truly won me back. From first glance of the album sleeve, which features a portrait of brothers Taylor (guitar/vocals) and Griffin Goldsmith (drums/vocals), the signs are there that this is a welcome return to their Laurel Canyon-inspired roots.
Every single song here begins with a simple guitar and drums intro. Opening track Mister Los Angeles is a perky but pointed diatribe against LA. excesses. House Parties is a love letter to its subject. Celebrating local bands, spilled drinks and singalongs, it skips along nicely, propelled by a slide guitar part reminiscent of the Eagles lighter moments. But the highlight of the album is The Game, reinforcing how special Dawes can be when they keep it simple, and featuring an instantly memorable chorus (“the losers only think about the winners, the winners only think about the game”). Dawes are back, and oh brother, how I’ve missed them.
Matthew Ambrose presents Under The Radar on Tuesday evening at 7pm on Abbey104. Broadcasting on 104.7FM and online at abbey104.com.
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