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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Meet Garrett Dorset, the local family business that realised there was a need for a personal, hassle-free approach to car selling

Today there are so many places to sell your car: from Facebook Marketplace or Autotrader to an array of giant online car companies. Navigating those platforms, however, is time-consuming and sometimes extremely stressful, resulting in an inbox flooded with messages, not to mention time-wasters and aggressive hagglers.
A Poole-based, family-run business is proving that the human touch – combined with more than 30 years of experience in the motor industry – is the best road to success when selling a car, van campervan or motorhome.

Garrett Dorset in Poole will of course help anyone sell a car: but they have built an outstanding reputation helping those in the most sensitive situations. Perhaps those of us who may have lost a loved one and need to dispose of their vehicle, or those who can no longer drive through illness.
Founder Andy Garrett explains: ‘The idea grew organically after a friend asked me to value a car for someone recently bereaved. The widower was so grateful for the personal and hassle-free service we provided, and we realised there were probably many other people in a similarly sensitive situation who we could help.’
The bespoke service takes all the stress out of selling a vehicle. Andy, or a female member of his team if preferred, will visit you at your home or workplace. Over a chat, a complete appraisal of your vehicle will be carried out followed by a free, no-obligation valuation.
Andy explains: ‘At this point you might choose to go ahead with the sale, which we can conclude there and then.
‘Alternatively, you might like to spend some time considering our offer. Either way, there’s absolutely no obligation or pressure to sell.
‘If you choose to sell your vehicle to us, we promise a fair and accurate valuation, a quick and easy sale, fast immediate payment … and above all a friendly and efficient service.’

Handling the paperwork
The service includes all handling of DVLA paperwork as well as any administration needed to settle outstanding car finance on the vehicle. ‘In times of bereavement or ill-health, taking the burden of all this paperwork away is a huge relief,’ explains Andy Garrett. ‘It can all be done by us from the comfort and security of your own home. And there are no fees or administration costs when you sell to us, unlike some of our competitors. We will pay the full valuation for your car with no deductions. The money is instantly transferred at the time of sale, too, so there’s no added anxiety of waiting for the funds to go through.’

Find out more at garrettdorset.co.uk

Read the reviews at garrettdorset.co.uk/what-our-clients-say