Sunday, February 20, 2011

The Damnwells - No One Listens To The Band Anymore

Ripe with smooth guitar licks, a solid easy beat, and a vocalist who has pipes that are a gift from the music heavens, the Damnwells are a force to be reckoned with (and listened to). Their latest album (out on March 15th), No One Listens To The Band Anymore continues the great indie rock sound that their fans have grown to love over the years.

Starting off with a slick guitar riff and punchy drum beat on the title track, the latest from the Damnwells kicks in with a passion that is easy to hear and interpret. The devotion to their music and their craft is evident in the leads and vocals from singer/guitarist Alex Dezen. His voice is a fond sugary trip through Candyland and his ability with a guitar is first rate. No One Listens To The Band Anymore is an enjoyable opening number that catches the ear and makes you stay tuned for the next track.

The lyrics on Into The Great Unknown speak to you in a way that not many songs can. The theme of uncertainty and confusion about life is something we all can relate to, if not constantly then certainly at times. Into The Great Unknown hits the topics of unemployment, trying to make sense of our place in this vast world, and wondering what’s the purpose of it all. These are poignant themes for desperate, confusing times. The line “Oh unseen Lord, tell me what you want for me” resonates. Who hasn’t asked that question during tough times? The gentle guitar and light piano cement Into The Great Unknown as a beautiful ballad about life’s mysteries.

Let’s Be Civilized is the first song that really pulls away from the pack as a stand out track. That’s not to say the preceding songs are lacking in talent, it’s just that they don’t pack quite the punch that Let’s Be Civilized does. From the opening breath that Dezen takes, it’s obvious this is going to be a kick ass song. By the time we get to the bridge, it’s confirmed – Let’s Be Civilized is excellent. It’s also the best song on the record. Complete with a horn section, harmonica solo, and deep lyrics that force you to listen multiple times, think deeply, and try your damndest to figure out what the song is really about, Let’s Be Civilized is an incredible single that adds merit to No One Listens To The Band Anymore.

Overall, No One Listens To The Band Anymore is an enjoyable album with an undoubtedly independent flair. The Damnwells have put together another quality record that is worth the time you will spend listening to it. With superb vocals from Dezen and intense guitar playing (both acoustic and electric), No One Listens To The Band Anymore is a solid album that both new and devoted fans will enjoy.

Notable Tracks: Let’s Be Civilized, Last Day Of The New Age, Sophia

Ryo’s Rating: 7 (out of 10)

Track Listing
No One Listens To The Band Anymore
Feast Of Hearts
She Goes Around
Werewolves
The Great Unknown
Let’s Be Civilized
Death Defier
Last Day Of The New Age
The Monster
The Experts
Sophia
The Same Way

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