Originally, this was intended to be a preview for Dawes, the young L.A.-based band with a terrific debut album, North Hills (complete with tightly written songs, quality harmonies and some good old-fashioned guitar love), and even better live show, headlining The Bowery Ballroom tonight for the very first time—with Corey Chisel & the Wandering Sons and Jason Boesel. But it seems unfair to preview a show that’s already sold out. And a review of tonight’s show is, quite frankly, a bit premature since it hasn’t happened yet. So, instead of a preview or a review, think of this as just a view: Check out Dawes, above, playing the sure-to-get-stuck-in-your-head “When My Time Comes” and, below, covering the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends.” And then you’ll know that the next time Dawes comes to town you shouldn’t be so slow in deciding to get a ticket because, seriously, these guys kick ass.
Posts Tagged ‘Dawes’
Dawes: A View
Thursday, February 18th, 2010Deer Tick Ends Tour at The Bowery Ballroom
Monday, July 27th, 2009Deer Tick - The Bowery Ballroom - July 24, 2009
Deer Tick
Deer Tick had been on the road steadily since early June—including more than 20 dates with Dawes—before closing their tour in rowdy style at a sold-out Bowery Ballroom on Friday night. Playing tracks from their debut album, War Elephant, and their follow-up disc, Born on Flag Day, released about a month ago, Deer Tick began the show with a brief drums interlude and then firmly took hold of the audience with two hours of gritty, sweaty rock and roll.
Drummer Dennis Ryan, whose tour beard compared favorably to the Geico Caveman’s, his bassist brother, Chris, and guitarist Andy Tobiassen are talented musicians, but Deer Tick’s heart and soul is clearly John McCauley’s raspy, evocative voice. The frontman was chatty and affable throughout. (And possibly drunk. Although he’s not a haphazard drinker: He kept his beers cool in a koozie all night.) Before going into “Baltimore Blues No. 1,” McCauley said, “I wrote these fucking songs in my bedroom when I was 17 or 18 years old. And there were never this many people there. But if there were, we would’ve had a great time.” Those in the audience happily agreed as they stomped, clapped and sang along to songs like “These Old Shoes” and “Little White Lies,” plus a terrific cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Breakdown.”
As the show—and tour—wound down, members of both opening bands, Dawes and These United States, who had been singing along from the side of the stage, joined Deer Tick onstage. The mood was loud and rambunctious, like rolling thunder, as they drank, hugged, danced and took turns trading solos on a ripping version of “La Bamba.” Many young bands’ live performances sound remarkably similar to their recorded work, but Deer Tick’s live show breathed new life into their already-heady stuff, turning earnest music into something dirtier (in a good way). Like the recorded takes were just the beginning, a blueprint to build on. Hopefully they will. They’re off to an awfully good start. —R. Zizmor
My Five: Jay Belin
Friday, June 19th, 2009
(Left to right) 1. Passion Pit 2. Dawes 3. Gentleman Jesse and His Band 4. Crocodiles 5. The Gaslight Anthem
Jay Belin is the talent buyer at Mercury Lounge. Lots of music comes his way, but these are the five CDs he’s listening to the most right now. Read below to see why.
Passion Pit, Manners
Who said being young, dumb and full of cum couldn’t get you anywhere? Well, two of three anyway. The hype machine is in full gear and why not—this record rules hard. I heart these guys and that was before hearing this. Manners only makes it easier. (Passion Pit plays two sold-out shows at The Bowery Ballroom this weekend.)
Dawes, North Hills
My love of this record has confused more than one of my friends, but there is something undeniable about the sincerity and musical ability of these youngbloods from the great state of California. It may not land in my wheelhouse, but these days it’s all I want to hear.
Gentlemen Jesse and His Band, Gentlemen Jesse and His Band
Things can go two ways when you hear a band for the first time at a show. This one obviously fell into the positive end of the spectrum. It’s been said before, but they fill the void left in my soul by the Exploding Hearts tragedy.
Crocodiles, “Summer of Hate”
Falling for a band after hearing one song is as dumb as selling the farm after the first date, but sometimes, if you’re lucky, it all works out in the end. The standout “I Wanna Kill” was built for skinny ties and confused Goths on dance floors across the country. (Crocodiles are playing Mercury Lounge tomorrow night.)
The Gaslight Anthem, The ’59 Sound
If you aren’t obsessed with this record, I’m de-friending you. Sorry for the drama, but seriously, rent a convertible, hit the highway and watch your troubles disappear in the rearview mirror. They’re the best thing to come out of Jersey since the Bouncing Souls (yeah, I went there).
© 2009
