1.04.2010

CD REVIEW: Dawes "North Hills"

It's not often a band comes around that releases and album which grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go from start to finish. Dawes' debut album does just that. Each intricate composition is so intriguing that you can't tear yourself away from its beauty and simplicity. The lyrics drive the entire album, with a mellow alt-country, acoustic roots, and southern rock styles providing the backdrop. "Love Is All I Am" is as good as it gets when it comes to a love song. It's simple, straigtforward, and to the point, on top of being well written and performed. Other highlights include "That Western Skyline" (which Rolling Stone Magazine labeled as one of the top 25 songs of 2009) and "When My Time Comes." When it comes to excellent music, Dawes is the epitome. If you are a fan of Wilco, Conor Oberst, Bon Iver, and Fleet Foxes, you will surely be head-over-heels in love with this album.